A mid-ranking civil servant says there is an "institutionalised" culture of sick leave in the public sector. Reports yesterday showed uncertified sick leave cost the economy €430m in 2012, with health workers and gardaí taking the most leave.

The figures from 2012 showed that the rate of sick leave in the public sector is almost twice that taken in the private sector.

The Department of Public Expenditure says the cost is "unsustainable."

The €430m figure relates to 2012, but the Department of Public Expenditure highlighted the fact that new rules came into effect last March, cutting the uncertified sick leave allowance by half.

A new scheme covering uncertified sick leave in the public service is expected to cut the multi-million euro annual bill.

'Caroline' works in the Department of Social Protection. She told Newstalk Breakfast that she is disheartened by the situation.