§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 30 October (WA 64), why St Patrick's Day and 12 July are not listed for Northern Ireland. [HL5306]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonI regret that my earlier Written Answer did not list more specifically holidays 321WA enjoyed by civil servants in Northern Ireland. St Patrick's Day and 12 July are indeed bank holidays.
While the Cabinet Office is responsible for the policy on leave and attendance in the Civil Service, bank and public holidays in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are the responsibility of the Department of Trade and Industry. Dates for Scotland are a matter for the Scottish Executive.
Civil servants in Northern Ireland are allowed public and privilege holidays up to a maximum of 12 days a year. The distribution of these days over the year is:
New Year's Day Bank Holiday if proclaimed 17 March (St Patrick's Day) Easter Monday Bank Holiday Easter Tuesday in lieu of Good Friday May Day Bank Holiday Bank Holiday if proclaimed Late May Bank Holiday Bank Holiday 12 July (Orangemen's Day) Bank and Public Holiday if proclaimed 13 July Privilege Day Late Summer Bank Holiday Bank Holiday Christmas Day Common Law Holiday Boxing Day Bank Holiday An additional day at Christmas Privilege Day