Making Good Friday an official bank holiday is a “question of fairness”, the Labour party has argued. 

Easter Monday is an official day off but most employees do not work on Good Friday either. 

Senator Marie Sherlock said it was time to rectify the anomaly and give workers an official four-day weekend. 

“Every year, there is a huge amount of confusion as to whether Good Friday is a public holiday or not,” Senator Sherlock told The Hard Shoulder.  

“As we know, it’s not a public holiday and yet we see so many workplaces that are closed. 

“Particularly banks typically close on Good Friday, we know the libraries typically close on Good Friday and, indeed, other institutions as well. 

“And yet, on the other hand, it is a normal working day in the retail sector, in the hospitality sector.” 

Easter eggs. Photo: Sina Schuldt/dpa

Senator Sherlock believes that those who have to work Good Friday are not getting enough “recognition and respect” and that the State could help right that wrong. 

“We believe that it should be a public holiday and, if they [staff] are working, they are paid in respect of a public holiday,” she said. 

There are currently 10 public holidays in Ireland and Senator Sherlock believes that is not enough. 

“It’s great that we have 1st February now added to the list,” she said. 

“But even with that, we’re still at the bottom of the ranking compared to our EU member state colleagues.” 

On Good Friday, Christians commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and on Easter Monday they celebrate his resurrection from the dead.

Main image: Senator Marie Sherlock. Picture by: RollingNews.ie