Last week, I raised with the Taoiseach the recent enactment of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) (Amendment) Act 2013, which provides for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to regulate for sick leave across the public service. Does the Taoiseach remember this? Ministerial regulations are to be laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas and these regulations can be annulled within 21 sitting days. This new sick leave scheme is due to begin on 31 March and the Minister responsible, Deputy Howlin, was to confirm last week when the regulations would be laid before the House but he has not done so. The Taoiseach might shed some light on that.

I am advised that a letter has been prepared for Deputy McDonald on that matter. The effective date for implementation is 31 March.