The Health Service Executive (HSE) offers a comprehensive range of leave entitlements to support employees in balancing their professional responsibilities with personal and family needs. This guide provides an overview of all 27 types of leave available to HSE staff, helping you understand your entitlements and how to apply for them.
Table of Contents
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- Family Leave Entitlements
- Maternity Leave
- Paternity Leave
- Parent’s Leave
- Parental Leave
- Adoptive Leave
- Other Leave Types
- Bereavement Leave
- Force Majeure Leave
- Carer’s Leave
- Unpaid Leave for Medical Care
- Career and Personal Development Leave
- Career Breaks
- Study Leave
- Shorter Working Year Scheme
- Civic and Other Leave Types
- Public Holidays in Ireland
- How to Apply for Leave
- HR and Payroll Self Service
- HR Forms
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact Information
- Related Posts
Most leave applications can be submitted through HR and Payroll Self Service. Where this system is not available in your area, specific application forms are available from your line manager or HR department.
Annual Leave
Summary: 22-32 days paid leave per year depending on grade; leave year runs April to March.
The HSE annual leave year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Your annual leave entitlement depends on your contract, grade, and the number of hours you work each week.
- Annual leave entitlements range from 22 to 32 days depending on your grade and entry date
- Part-time staff receive annual leave calculated on a pro-rata basis
- You can take a continuous period of 2 weeks off if you work more than 8 months in a leave year
- Your line manager approves annual leave, considering service needs and family responsibilities
- If you are sick while on annual leave with a doctor’s certificate, those days can be reclaimed
Sick Leave
Summary: Up to 92 days full pay + 91 days half pay in a year; maximum 183 paid sick days over 4 years.
The Public Service Sick Leave Scheme provides paid sick leave to employees who are unable to work due to illness or injury. The current scheme came into effect on 4 September 2023.
| Entitlement Type | Duration |
|---|---|
| Full Pay | 92 calendar days in a rolling 1-year period |
| Half Pay | 91 calendar days in a rolling 1-year period |
| Maximum Paid Sick Leave | 183 days in a rolling 4-year period |
| Self-Certified Sick Leave | 7 days maximum in a rolling 24-month period |
- Self-certified leave may not exceed 2 consecutive working days
- A medical certificate is required for absences longer than 2 consecutive working days
- Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR) may be available after exhausting full and half pay entitlements
Family Leave Entitlements
The HSE provides comprehensive family leave options to support staff through significant life events including parenthood, caring responsibilities, and family emergencies.
Maternity Leave
Summary: 26 weeks paid leave + optional 16 weeks unpaid; must start at least 2 weeks before due date.
- 26 weeks paid maternity leave (basic entitlement)
- 16 weeks additional unpaid maternity leave (optional)
- Must begin at least 2 weeks before expected due date
- Maternity Benefit payable from Department of Social Protection if you have sufficient PRSI contributions
- Notify your manager in writing at least 4 weeks before starting leave
Paternity Leave
Summary: 2 weeks paid leave for fathers/partners; must be taken within 6 months of birth or adoption.
- 2 weeks paid leave for relevant parents
- Must be taken within the first 6 months of birth or adoption placement
- Available to fathers, partners of mothers, or parents of donor-conceived children
- Paternity Benefit available from DSP based on PRSI contributions
- Notify manager at least 4 weeks before expected due date
Parent’s Leave
Summary: 9 weeks leave per parent (unpaid by employer); must be taken within child’s first 2 years.
- 9 weeks leave per parent (from August 2024)
- Must be taken within the first 2 years of a child’s life or adoption placement
- Unpaid by employer – Parent’s Benefit payable by DSP if eligible
- Does not affect other leave entitlements (maternity, paternity, parental leave)
Parental Leave
Summary: 26 weeks unpaid leave per child; must be completed before child turns 13; requires 1 year’s service.
- 26 weeks unpaid leave per child
- Must be completed before the child turns 13
- Requires at least 1 year’s service to qualify
- Can be taken in blocks or as single days, subject to employer agreement
Adoptive Leave
Summary: 24 weeks paid leave + 16 weeks unpaid; includes time off for pre-adoption meetings.
- 24 weeks paid adoptive leave
- 16 weeks additional unpaid leave available
- Paid time off for preparation classes and pre-adoption meetings
Other Leave Types
Bereavement Leave
Summary: Up to 20 days paid leave for death of spouse/child; up to 5 days for parents/siblings.
- Up to 20 days on death of spouse (including cohabiting partner) or child
- Up to 5 days on death of parent, sibling, parent-in-law, or grandparent
- Up to 3 days may be granted for more distant relatives in some circumstances
- Extra days may be allowed if travel abroad is required for funeral arrangements
Force Majeure Leave
Summary: Paid emergency leave for urgent family situations; max 3 days per year or 5 days over 3 years.
- Paid leave for urgent, unexpected family situations
- Applies when a close family member is injured or ill and needs immediate attention
- Maximum of 3 days in any 12-month period or 5 days in any 36-month period
- Close family members include spouse, partner, parent, child, sibling, and those in your care
Carer’s Leave
Summary: 13-104 weeks unpaid leave to provide full-time care; employment rights protected throughout.
- Unpaid leave to provide full-time care for someone who needs it
- Minimum 13 weeks, maximum 104 weeks per person being cared for
- Employment rights protected during carer’s leave
- Annual leave and public holidays accrued for first 13 weeks
- Carer’s Benefit may be available from DSP
Unpaid Leave for Medical Care
Summary: Up to 5 days unpaid leave per year to care for family members needing medical attention.
- Up to 5 days unpaid leave per year
- For providing medical care to a child, spouse, partner, parent, or person living in same household
- No minimum service requirement
- Continue to build up annual leave and public holidays while on this leave
Career and Personal Development Leave
Career Breaks
Summary: 1-5 years unpaid leave; up to 3 breaks allowed with combined max of 8 years; guaranteed return to grade.
- Minimum 1 year, maximum 5 years per career break
- Up to 3 career breaks allowed with combined maximum of 8 years
- Must return to work for at least the duration of previous break before taking another
- Guaranteed return to your original grade within 12 months of career break ending
- At least 3 months’ notice required for return to work
Study Leave
Summary: Paid leave for approved courses and examinations; subject to manager approval.
- Available for approved courses and examinations
- Application via HR108p form
- Subject to manager approval and service requirements
Shorter Working Year Scheme
Summary: Up to 13 weeks unpaid leave per year; popular for matching school holidays; apply by 31 October.
- Up to 13 weeks unpaid leave per year
- Available in periods of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 13 weeks
- Can be taken as up to 3 separate periods (minimum 2 weeks each)
- Special salary arrangements available to spread pay across 12 months
- Application deadline: 31 October for the following year
- Popular for aligning with school holidays
Civic and Other Leave Types
| Leave Type | Summary |
|---|---|
| Jury Service | Paid leave for jury duty. Inform manager immediately when summoned. |
| Interview Leave | Paid leave for attending interviews for HSE or public service positions. |
| Marriage Leave | Special paid leave on marriage. Apply using HR108n form. |
| Witness in Court | Paid leave for attendance in court as a witness. |
| Trade Union Leave | Leave for trade union representatives for approved activities. |
| Elected Representatives | Leave for elected members of local authorities. |
| Selection Board Leave | Leave for participation in interview/selection boards. |
| Domestic Violence Leave | Support leave for employees affected by domestic violence. |
| Breastfeeding Breaks | Paid breaks or reduced hours for breastfeeding mothers. Apply using HR117 form. |
| COVID-19 Related Leave | Special leave provisions related to COVID-19 circumstances. |
| Serious Physical Assault Scheme | Special leave entitlement for employees who suffer assault at work. |
Public Holidays in Ireland
Summary: 10 public holidays per year; full-time permanent employees get paid leave or time off in lieu.
Ireland has 10 public holidays each year. HSE employees are entitled to public holiday benefits provided they meet qualifying conditions (worked at least 40 hours in the 5 weeks before the holiday for casual/part-time staff).
| Public Holiday | Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 |
| St Brigid’s Day | Monday, February 2 |
| St Patrick’s Day | Tuesday, March 17 |
| Easter Monday | Monday, April 6 |
| May Bank Holiday | Monday, May 4 |
| June Bank Holiday | Monday, June 1 |
| August Bank Holiday | Monday, August 3 |
| October Bank Holiday | Monday, October 26 |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 |
| St Stephen’s Day | Saturday, December 26 |
Note: If St Brigid’s Day (1 February) falls on a Friday, that Friday is the public holiday instead of the following Monday.
How to Apply for Leave
HR and Payroll Self Service
Most leave types can be applied for through the HSE’s HR and Payroll Self Service system. This online system allows you to submit leave requests, view your leave balances, and track the status of your applications.
HR Forms
Where Self Service is not available, the following forms are commonly used:
- HR108a – Adoptive Leave Application Download
- HR108c – Carer’s Leave Application Download
- HR108d – Bereavement Leave Application Download
- HR108f – Force Majeure Leave Application Download
- HR108i – Maternity Leave Application Download
- HR108j – Parental Leave Application Download
- HR108k – Paternity Leave Application Download
- HR108t – Parent’s Leave Application Download
- HR108u – Unpaid Leave for Medical Care Application Download
- HR105 – Career Break Application Application Download
- HR115 – Shorter Working Year Scheme Application Download
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many days annual leave do HSE staff get?
A: HSE staff are entitled to between 22 and 32 days annual leave per year, depending on their grade and entry date. The HSE annual leave year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Part-time staff receive annual leave calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Q: How much sick leave are HSE employees entitled to?
A: HSE employees are entitled to 92 calendar days on full pay and 91 calendar days on half pay in a rolling 1-year period. The maximum paid sick leave is 183 days in a rolling 4-year period. Self-certified sick leave is limited to 7 days in a rolling 24-month period.
Q: How long is HSE maternity leave?
A: HSE maternity leave is 26 weeks paid leave, with an optional additional 16 weeks unpaid leave. Maternity leave must begin at least 2 weeks before the expected due date. Maternity Benefit is payable from the Department of Social Protection if you have sufficient PRSI contributions.
Q: What is HSE paternity leave entitlement?
A: HSE paternity leave is 2 weeks paid leave for relevant parents, including fathers, partners of mothers, or parents of donor-conceived children. It must be taken within the first 6 months of birth or adoption placement.
Q: How much parent’s leave can HSE staff take?
A: From August 2024, HSE staff can take 9 weeks of parent’s leave per parent. This leave is unpaid by the employer but Parent’s Benefit may be available from the Department of Social Protection. It must be taken within the first 2 years of a child’s life or adoption placement.
Q: What is parental leave in the HSE?
A: HSE parental leave is 26 weeks unpaid leave per child. It must be completed before the child turns 13 and requires at least 1 year’s service to qualify. The leave can be taken in blocks or as single days, subject to employer agreement.
Q: How much bereavement leave do HSE staff get?
A: HSE bereavement leave provides up to 20 days paid leave on the death of a spouse or child, up to 5 days for a parent, sibling, or grandparent, and up to 3 days for more distant relatives in some circumstances.
Q: Can HSE staff take a career break?
A: Yes, HSE staff can take career breaks of 1 to 5 years. Up to 3 career breaks are allowed with a combined maximum of 8 years. Staff are guaranteed return to their original grade within 12 months of the career break ending.
Q: How many public holidays are there in Ireland?
A: Ireland has 10 public holidays per year: New Year’s Day (1 January), St Brigid’s Day (2 February), St Patrick’s Day (17 March), Easter Monday (6 April), May Bank Holiday (4 May), June Bank Holiday (1 June), August Bank Holiday (3 August), October Bank Holiday (26 October), Christmas Day (25 December), and St Stephen’s Day (26 December).
Q: What is the Shorter Working Year scheme in the HSE?
A: The HSE Shorter Working Year scheme allows staff to take up to 13 weeks unpaid leave per year, available in periods of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 13 weeks. It’s popular for aligning with school holidays. Applications must be submitted by 31 October for the following year.
Q: What is force majeure leave in the HSE?
A: Force majeure leave is paid emergency leave for urgent, unexpected family situations when a close family member is injured or ill and needs your immediate attention. You can take a maximum of 3 days in any 12-month period or 5 days in any 36-month period.
Q: How do I apply for HSE leave?
A: Most leave types can be applied for through the HSE HR and Payroll Self Service system online. Where Self Service is not available, you can download and complete the appropriate HR form (such as HR108i for maternity leave) and submit it to your line manager. For DSP benefits like Maternity Benefit or Parent’s Benefit, you must apply separately to the Department of Social Protection.
Q: Can I get paid while on carer’s leave?
A: Carer’s leave in the HSE is unpaid by the employer, but you may be eligible for Carer’s Benefit from the Department of Social Protection if you meet the PRSI contribution requirements. You can take between 13 weeks and 104 weeks of carer’s leave, and your employment rights are protected throughout.
Q: Do I continue to accrue annual leave while on sick leave?
A: Yes, you continue to build up annual leave entitlements while on certified sick leave, maternity leave, adoptive leave, parental leave, and certain other leave types. Statutory annual leave is also accrued while on Temporary Rehabilitation Remuneration (TRR).
Q: What is the difference between parent’s leave and parental leave?
A: Parent’s leave is 9 weeks per parent that must be taken within the first 2 years of a child’s life (Parent’s Benefit available from DSP). Parental leave is 26 weeks per child that can be taken anytime before the child turns 13 (unpaid, no DSP benefit). They are separate entitlements and you can take both.
Contact Information
- 📞 Freephone: 1800 700 700
- 📞 From outside Ireland: 00 353 1 240 8787
- 🕐 Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm
- 📧 National HR Helpdesk: 1800 444 925 or [email protected]
For more detailed information, visit healthservice.hse.ie/staff/leave for the full range of leave information, circulars, and application forms.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only. Leave entitlements may vary depending on your contract, grade, and employment status. Always consult official HSE policies, HR circulars, and your line manager for specific guidance on your individual circumstances.
Source: HSE healthservice.hse.ie | Last Updated: January 2026
