The once-off double bank holiday is finally here and thousands of Ireland's workers will be enjoying the long-awaited four-day weekend.
The added date 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.
As the celebrations get underway, there are plenty of people working the weekend and so some have been questioning whether or not they will receive the usual boost in pay or time in lieu on both days.
When announcing the changes back in February, Leo Varadkar explained in a video on social media what workers would be entitled to on the occasion.
He 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 citizens’ 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
