Two extra bank holidays in the year would “give the country a lift”, Ciara Kelly has said.

People Before Profit-Solidarity is bringing forward legislation for an additional two bank holidays for Irish workers.

Dublin South-West TD Paul Murphy said Ireland falls behind other European countries with 20 days minimum holiday entitlements and 11 paid public holidays, while Germany and Sweden have 13 paid public holidays, Italy has 14 and Austria has 15.

The suggested dates for the extra two public holidays are the last Monday in September and the last Monday in November.

People pictured enjoying the sunshine and good weather on Portmarnock Beach. 02/06/2023 Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

On Newstalk Breakfast, Presenter Ciara Kelly said she is in complete agreement with this call by PBP-Sol.

“I am practically on the plinth beside Richard Boyd Barrett and Paul Murphy,” she said.

“I know that they were waiting for this moment when I said, ‘People Before Profit could not be more, right’.”

Ciara said that instead of the suggested dates of September and November – she would suggest two days in July, a Monday and a Tuesday.

“Can you imagine that weekend in July every year [and] it wouldn't come out of our holidays? It would be a four-day weekend,” she said.

“It would be a celebration on par with Christmas, Easter, Paddy's Day - you name it, I would adore it.

“I think this is a brilliant idea by them and I may have to think about who I vote for next year on this basis.”

Catherine McMahon orders a treat for her dog, Rossi, pictured this afternoon enjoying the sunshine and good weather on Portmarnock Beach. 02/06/2023 Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

Co-presenter Shane Coleman said there is a serious cost involved with bank holidays.

“There was a Dáil question on this a while back and they reckon the cost to the Exchequer of a bank holiday is about €300 million,” he said.

“It takes about point four 0.4% of GDP every year, so if you have two extra, you're almost taking 1% off economic growth.”

Bank holiday getaway, © PA Wire/PA Images

Ciara rebutted this saying: “But think of what people would spend if you had two extra days off in July, in the summer months, that would be like a mini holiday.

“I think people would spend millions.

“I don't think this makes us an outlier; I think this would add to our quality of life.”

Ciara said she is “glad” somebody’s brought it up.

Split image: People enjoying the beach (L) and Ciara Kelly (R)