An extra couple of days off work…
Ireland currently has one of the lowest numbers of public holidays in Europe and indeed, in the world with just nine each year.
The European average for public holidays is 11 meaning that we’re working two more days each year than our European brothers and sisters.
Previously, Irish MEP Brian Hayes has voiced his displeasure at this, stating that he believes Ireland should have additional days off to acknowledge the sacrifices that were made during the economic crash.
“As a recovery country with pay restoration dominating national debate it’s time to look at our public holidays,” Hayes said.
“The European average is 11 and we lie second last with 9 public holidays a year. Finland (15), Malta and Spain (14) have a full week more public holidays than Irish workers.”
He added: “There has been a lot of talk about the sacrifices made during the crash. Increasing the number of public holidays would be a real way to honour that sacrifice.”
Now, The Green Party has proposed making Lá Fhéile Bride, or St Brigid’s Day, a public holiday.
St Brigid is one of Ireland’s patron saints and her feast day is celebrated on February 1.
The proposal comes before a Dáil debate on Sinn Fein’s proposal to make April 24 a public holiday to honour the men and women who fought for independence during the 1916 rising.
According to Newstalk, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said:
“Ireland has the third fewest public holidays in Europe, and fourth fewest public holidays in the world. Practically speaking, the Sinn Féin motion introduces another public holiday at a time of year when we have two bank holidays, while the longest period without a bank holiday remains from St Stephen’s Day, December 26, to St Patrick’s Day, March 17.
“The start of February is filled with significance, marking the first day of Spring and the Celtic festival of Imbolc. Lá Fhéile Bríde is a positive, potent celebration of new beginnings, the turning of the seasons and the cyclical nature of our life on Earth.”
Sure why can’t we just make both days public holidays altogether?
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