Public sector benchmarking

Madam,– We hear various declarations from the Taoiseach about the urgent need for public sector reform and restraint

Madam,– We hear various declarations from the Taoiseach about the urgent need for public sector reform and restraint. Why, then, has a good friend of mine who works in a senior role in a State agency just been informed of a “benchmarking” award for the coming period?

This person will receive an additional two days, vacation – which, I am informed, along with “flexi days”, “privilege days”, ” long service days”, “days in lieu” and “standard vacation” will bring the employee just shy of 50 days’ annual vacation.

Who exactly is this individual being benchmarked against for a 31-hour week?! Students? Better still — the unemployed? – Yours, etc,

NIGEL D’ARCY,

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Dalkey,

Co Dublin.