Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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145. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the changes that have been made to Garda sick leave policy; the reason these changes have been made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23641/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform signed the Public Service Management (Sick Leave) regulations (SI No 124 of 2014) into law on 6^thMarch 2014. These regulations have been laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.

These regulations which apply generally across the public service, including An Garda Síochána, introduce a maximum of 3 months (92 days) sick leave on full pay in a year followed by a maximum of 3 months (91 days) sick leave on half pay, subject to a maximum of 6 months (183 days) paid sick leave in a rolling four year period. The regulations also provide for critical illness or injury provisions. It must be pointed out that absences arising from injuries on duty are not covered by these regulations.

The rationale for the introduction of these arrangements was the need to reduce the cost of sick leave for the public service overall, through the better management of sick leave as well as a substantial reduction in the period of time for which paid sick leave will be available.