We have been waiting for Report Stage of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) (Amendment) Bill 2013 for several months now. It appears the reason for the delay is the Government’s decision to piggyback legislative changes to public sector certified sick leave arrangements, due to be implemented in the new year. This matter was the subject of a Labour Court recommendation. However, the court did not recommend that the new arrangements be applied retrospectively to 1 January 2010, as I understand the Government is seeking to do. When will we see the sick leave legislation? Will the Tánaiste confirm whether is the Government’s intention to apply this legislation retrospectively?

My understanding is that Report Stage of the Bill in question is to be taken before the recess.