Public holiday entitlements in Ireland can be complex, especially with varying work schedules and employment types. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of employee entitlements.
Ireland’s 10 Public Holidays
Ireland observes 10 public holidays each year, offering employees well-deserved breaks to mark significant cultural, historical, and seasonal events. These holidays provide opportunities to rest, celebrate, and enjoy time with family and friends. Here's the complete list of Ireland's public holidays and when they occur:
- New Year's Day (1 Jan)
- St. Brigid’s Day (First Monday in February, or 1st February if the date falls on a Friday)
- St. Patrick’s Day (17 Mar)
- Easter Monday
- First Monday in May
- First Monday in June
- First Monday in August
- Last Monday in October
- Christmas Day (25 Dec)
- St. Stephen’s Day (26 Dec)
General Public Holiday Benefits
All eligible employees are entitled to one of the following on a public holiday, chosen by the employer:
- A paid day off;
- A substitute paid day off within a month;
- An additional day of annual leave or
- An extra day’s pay is equal to the normal daily hours last worked before the public holiday.
Employees can request their preferred benefit by notifying their employer at least 21 days before the holiday. They are entitled to a paid day off if they do not receive a response within 14 days.
Full-Time Employees
Full-time employees get immediate entitlement to public holiday benefits, regardless of service, in accordance with agreed rates. If the public holiday falls on a scheduled working day:
- The employee is working on the public holiday: Normal pay plus an additional benefit (e.g., extra pay, day off).
- Not working (business closed or scheduled off): Regular pay for the public holiday.
- If the public holiday falls on a non-working day (e.g., weekend): Entitled to one-fifth of weekly pay or another benefit chosen by the employer.
Part-time and Casual Workers (No Fixed Roster)
Eligibility requires part-time and casual workers with no fixed roster to have worked 40 hours in the five weeks before the public holiday.
- If scheduled to work on a public holiday: Paid for hours worked plus an additional benefit (e.g., extra pay, day off).
- If not working: Paid as if they worked the day.
- If the public holiday falls on a non-working day: Entitled to one-fifth of weekly pay or another benefit chosen by the employer
Part-Time Workers (Fixed Roster)
Part-time employees with fixed schedules must also meet the 40-hour threshold five weeks before the public holiday.
- If scheduled to work on a public holiday: Paid for hours plus one-fifth of weekly pay.
- If not working: Paid for the holiday.
- If not scheduled to work on that day: Entitled to one-fifth of weekly pay.
Working on a Public Holiday
Employees who work on a public holiday are entitled to regular pay for the hours worked plus one of the holiday benefits. If the additional day’s pay is chosen, it should equal their pay for the last regular working day before the holiday.
Public Holiday Entitlements During Leave
Annual Leave, Jury Service, and Most Family Leaves:
- Count as "worked time" for public holiday entitlement, ensuring that employees on these leaves qualify for a public holiday benefit.
Certified Sick Leave:
- Public holiday benefits apply for the first 26 weeks (52 if related to a workplace injury).
Carer’s Leave, Career Break, and Temporary Layoff:
- Entitlement applies for up to 13 weeks of absence.
Other leaves not mentioned above:
- Employees are not entitled to public holiday benefits unless they worked 40 hours in the five weeks before the holiday.
Leaving Employment:
- Employees who leave within the week before a holiday are still eligible if they worked the previous four weeks.
Holidays falling on a weekend:
- Employees still receive a benefit, though there is no legal requirement to give the following day off.