Summary: HSE employees are entitled to between 22 and 32 days of paid annual leave per year, depending on grade and length of service. The HSE leave year runs from 1 April to 31 March.
Whether you are a healthcare assistant, staff nurse, clerical officer, or manager, this guide covers everything you need to know about your annual leave entitlements as an HSE employee in 2026.
How Much Annual Leave Are You Entitled To?
Your annual leave entitlement depends on your grade and your length of service within the public health service.
Annual Leave by Grade
| Grade | Annual Leave Entitlement |
|---|---|
| Grade I–IV (Clerical/Admin) | 22 days |
| Grade V–VI | 23 days |
| Grade VII and above | 24 days |
| Staff Nurse / Staff Midwife | 24 days (rising to 26 days after 5 years’ service) |
| Healthcare Assistant (HCA) | 22 days |
| Senior/Management Grades | 24–27 days |
| CNM1 / CNM2 / CNM3 | 24–26 days depending on grade |
Note: Entitlements may vary depending on specific contracts, collective agreements, and HSE HR Circulars in effect. Always confirm your exact entitlement with your line manager or HR department.
The HSE Leave Year
The HSE annual leave year runs from 1 April to 31 March each year — not the calendar year.
- Leave must generally be taken within the leave year it is accrued
- A limited amount of leave may be carried over to the following year with manager approval
- Carry-over leave must typically be taken by 30 June of the following leave year or it is forfeited
Part-Time Staff Annual Leave
If you work part-time, your annual leave entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis relative to the number of hours you work per week compared to a full-time employee.
For example: – A Grade III clerical officer working 50% (17.5 hours per week) is entitled to approximately 11 days annual leave
Public Holidays and Annual Leave
HSE employees are entitled to 10 public holidays per year in addition to their annual leave entitlement. These are separate entitlements and are not deducted from your annual leave balance.
If you are required to work on a public holiday, you are entitled to: – A paid day off at a later date, or – An additional day’s pay
How to Apply for Annual Leave
Annual leave must be requested in advance using the appropriate process at your location. Most HSE sites use one of the following: – HSE Self Service self-service portal – A written request to your line manager using the relevant HSE leave form – Local roster management systems (used in many clinical settings)
Key Rules When Applying
- Give adequate notice — the earlier you request, the better
- Your manager may refuse or reschedule leave based on service requirements and staffing levels
- Christmas and peak periods are often subject to early booking rules at local level
- Leave should not be taken without prior approval
Sick Leave and Annual Leave
If you become ill during a period of approved annual leave, you may be able to convert that period to sick leave, provided: – You notify your manager as soon as possible – You provide a medical certificate covering the period of illness
This ensures your annual leave days are not lost due to illness. Contact your HR department for the correct procedure at your location.
Annual Leave and Maternity/Parental Leave
Annual leave continues to accrue during maternity leave, additional maternity leave, and other statutory leave types. You are entitled to take the accrued leave either before or after your maternity/parental leave period.
Discuss timing with your line manager well in advance to agree a schedule.
Unpaid Leave and Annual Leave Accrual
Annual leave does not accrue during periods of unpaid leave (except where specifically provided for, such as during the first 13 weeks of Carers Leave). Always check with HR before taking extended unpaid leave to understand the impact on your leave balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry over unused annual leave to the next year? Yes, but only a limited amount — typically up to 10 days — with manager approval. Carry-over leave must be taken by 30 June of the following leave year.
What happens to my annual leave if I leave the HSE? You are entitled to be paid for any outstanding unused annual leave when you leave employment.
Can my manager refuse my annual leave request? Yes. While you are entitled to annual leave, the timing is subject to service requirements. Your manager can refuse a specific date but must facilitate leave being taken during the leave year.
Do I accrue annual leave while on sick leave? Yes. Annual leave continues to accrue during certified sick leave.
What if I have worked less than a full leave year? Your entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis for the portion of the leave year you have worked.
Can I take annual leave before it is accrued? In some cases, advance annual leave may be granted at a manager’s discretion, but this is not an automatic entitlement.
Useful Resources
- HSE Human Resources
- Workplace Relations Commission – Annual Leave
- Your local HSE HR Business Partner
This guide is based on current HSE HR Circulars and standard entitlements as of 2026. Entitlements may vary by grade, contract type, and location. Always confirm your specific entitlement with your HR department or line manager.
