Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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334. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform regarding the implementation of new public service sick leave in 2014, the amount saved as a result of these measures; if the lost time rate was reduced as a result of these measures; if there has been a reduction in the average days lost per whole-time equivalent employee; the expected savings in terms of money and time from these measures in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28826/15]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The 2014 sick leave statistics present the first information available on the impact of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, introduced on 31 March 2014 for the majority of public servants and on 1 September 2014 for the Education Sector.

While the revised scheme was not in operation for the full twelve month period, the statistics illustrate that the new arrangements have made a significant impact in terms of savings.

The total cost of sick leave across the public service for 2014 is €319.3 million, a decrease of almost €51.5 million (14%) compared to 2013.

In terms of absenteeism rates, the Lost Time Rate across the Public Service reduced by 0.3% to 4.0% and the average number of days lost to sick leave per Full-Time Equivalent is 8.7 days, a reduction of 0.8 days from 2013.

While it is expected that further savings on the 2013 baseline cost of sick leave for the public service will be achieved in 2015, it is not possible to accurately project the level of these savings in precise terms.

A full breakdown of the cost and absenteeism rates, including trends between 2013 and 2014, is available for the public service and individual sectors at .