Ireland is getting an extra one-off public holiday in March this year and a permanent additional Bank Holiday will land on St Brigid’s Day from 2023.
The Government has agreed to designate a one-off public holiday on Friday, March 18, 2022 as a national day in recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new public holiday in March will be followed by a day of remembrance and recognition to take place over St Patrick’s weekend.
Then a new permanent public holiday from 2023 will celebrate St Brigid’s day.
It will be the first Monday in every February, except where St. Brigid’s day happens to fall on a Friday, in which case that Friday 1st February will be a public holiday.
Tanáiste Leo Varadkar has said a national “main event” to remember those who lost their lives will mark two years since the pandemic began.
He said the main event of Remembrance will likely be held on Sunday, March 20 to coincide with an ecumenical service and will likely involve Taoiseach Micheál Martin and President Michael D Higgins.
He said: “A once-off public holiday, a Day of Remembrance and Recognition, will be held in memory of the more than 9,000 people who have died on the island of Ireland with Covid. “This will be held on Friday, March 18th and means we will have a four-day weekend because March 17th, St Patrick’s Day, is also a public holiday.
“It will also recognise, and say thank you, to the volunteers, the Irish people, and to all the workers who gave their all in the fight against Covid.
“We decided to make this decision now on a public holiday, rather than wait until the pandemic is over, because so many have already given so much.
“It also roughly marks the second anniversary of the beginning of the pandemic in Ireland.”
Mr Varadkar said those who have to work on a Bank Holiday should get a day in lieu or receive double pay.
Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath said the cost of the Bank Holiday for the public sector is almost €50 million.
Cabinet have also agreed to give a one-off €1,000 tax-free payment to frontline healthcare workers.
It will apply to over 100,000 workers and will cost the State an estimated €100 million.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said the payment will be paid quickly to public frontline healthcare workers.
This includes staff who were exposed to Covid-19 in hospital settings employed by the HSE.
Cleaners, porters, swabbers in Covid labs, some Defence Force members and ambulance staff will receive the payment as well as student nurses who will be paid on a pro-rata basis.
The Taoiseach also told the Dail that private healthcare workers who were contracted by the HSE and worked on the frontline are entitled to the €1,000 payment.
Frontline staff working in nursing homes and hospices are also eligible for the payment.
However, retail workers, staff in supermarkets, and gardaí will not receive the payment and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar has said those who don’t get the pandemic bonus will benefit from the extra Bank Holiday.
Minister Donnelly said frontline healthcare workers will begin to receive the payments as soon as possible.
