Ireland has third lowest number of public holidays and we need more: MEP Hayes

Businesses and politicians need to both agree on whether another public holiday should be created, according to an MEP.

This bank holiday weekend, MEP Brian Hayes is highlighting the fact that Ireland has the second fewest public holidays in the EU.

We have a total of nine days, which also works out as the third lowest in the world.

MEP Hayes said that while businesses should be consulted about more holidays, they should not begrudge workers an extra day off:

"A well-motivated workforce is the most important thing (employers) need to make sure they keep the economy going," he said.

"It's a win-win if we come to an agreement.

"I don’t accept the argument I've heard that this will lead to an economic catastrophe. It's a very small measure, but it's an important measure."