Ireland could be about to get a couple of extra back holidays after the Green Party proposed making Lá Fhéile Bríde - St Brigid's Day - a public holiday.

St. Brigid is one of Ireland's patron saints and her feast day, which marks the beginning of spring, is celebrated on February 1.

The proposal comes before a Dáil debate on Sinn Fein's proposal to make April 24th a public holiday as a way to honour the men and women who fought for independence during the 1916 rising.

As reported by Newstalk, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said: “Ireland has the third fewest public holidays in Europe, and fourth fewest public holidays in the world. Practically speaking, the Sinn Féin motion introduces another public holiday at a time of year when we have two bank holidays, while the longest period without a bank holiday remains from St Stephen’s Day, 26th of December, to St Patrick’s Day, 17th of March.

“The start of February is filled with significance, marking the first day of Spring and the Celtic festival of Imbolc. Lá Fhéile Bríde is a positive, potent celebration of new beginnings, the turning of the seasons and the cyclical nature of our life on Earth," he argued.


Only Hungary, Netherlands and the UK (8) have fewer public holidays than Ireland (9), which is below the European average of 11.

Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes recently spoke about the need for at least one extra day off for Irish workers which "would send out a very strong signal to people: that we've come through this crisis; we are more competitive and productive economy; that the government, employers and those who have an interest in making sure the economy is successful recognise the contribution and sacrifices which ordinary people have made."

Hear, hear!