This week, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar confirmed the two new bank holiday additions to Ireland’s calendar.
The welcomed dates were officially signed into law on Monday, and are due to be in March this year and around Saint Brigid's Day next year.
The March date will be a once-off - added to the already existing St Patrick’s Bank Holiday - and is to commemorate all those who have died during the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the front line workers who continued to keep the country running over the last two years.
Then, from 2023 a new Bank Holiday will be added to the calendar permanently on St Brigid’s Day - which will be February 6 next year.
Many have been questioning whether or not they will receive the usual boost in pay or time in lieu on the once-off bank holiday - which they would normally be entitled to on a permanent public holiday.
When announcing the changes, Varadkar explained in a video on social media what workers would be entitled to on the occasion of both new dates.
Varadkar explained that the same applies for the new dates, so if you have to work on either day you will receive compensation in the form of a day off at another time or an extra day's pay.
“If a public holiday occurs, you’re entitled to the day off and full pay for that day," he said.
"If for some reason you have to work on the public holiday, you’re entitled to a day off and full pay in lieu, an additional day’s annual leave or double pay. So every worker benefits."
Most employees are given paid leave on public holidays, according to citizen’s information. However, there is an exception for some part-time employees.
If you qualify for public holiday benefit, you are entitled to one of the following:
- A paid day off on the public holiday
- An additional day of annual leave
- An additional day's pay
- A paid day off within a month of the public holiday
