Sir, - Renagh Holohan (Weekend, March 10th) points out that, in tandem with the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland has the lowest number of official annual holidays, nine, in the entire European Union. Finland has 14, Austria, Greece and Portugal 13, Denmark 12.
I made this point as trenchantly as I could almost exactly a year ago on St Brigid's Day when, inspired by the National Women's Council and the indomitable figure of Margaretta D'Arcy, I managed to get a debate on the subject of getting a national paid holiday in tribute to the women of Ireland and in celebration of their unselfish contribution to the development of our society. The motion was passed unanimously but to date nothing has happened.
It is perfectly obvious that at some stage we will get another bank holiday in order to catch up with our European colleagues and my intention is to try to keep the debate alive so that women will be first in the queue when this happens. I am therefore very grateful to Renagh Holohan for reinforcing my point. - Yours, etc.,
Senator David Norris, Baile Atha Cliath, Dublin 2.