IRELAND GETS FEWER public holidays than most of its fellow European Union nations.

Hungary, the Netherlands and the UK are the only three countries which declare less than nine general days off for its workforce, as Ireland does.

One MEP believes we should increase that number. (Finland offers its population 15 holidays, while Malta and Spain take 14 each).

Brian Hayes says that additional public holidays should be added to the calendar “to acknowledge the sacrifices made during the economic crash”.

He also claims extra days off are good for the economy.

“Additional structured bank holidays can generate economic activity and jobs,” he explains.

The October bank holiday is the perfect example. Following its introduction by the late Michael O’Leary we saw the growth and development of the jazz festival in Cork and the Dublin City Marathon. The introduction of the May bank holiday, by Ruairi Quinn in 1994, increased short breaks and signalling the start of the summer season.

He says that it’s a better option than increasing minimum annual leave entitlements as it can boost the whole economy.

In the past, there have been calls for extra bank holidays to honour the arrival of same-sex marriage and the anniversary of the 1916 Rising.

What do you think? Do you agree? Should we get more bank holidays in Ireland?