asked the Minister for the Public Service if he will indicate present Government policy on the granting of the facility of special leave without pay to those employed in the public service, including State-sponsored bodies, who wish to take up work with international organisations; and, if there is no explicit policy, whether public servants are encouraged to take up temporary contracts of from one to three years with institutions of the European Community or similar intergovernmental organisations.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Service Special Leave.
31.
In so far as the civil service is concerned, the policy and practice is to grant applications for special leave for service with international organisations of which this country is a member to the greatest extent possible, regard being had to the staffing needs of the applicant's Department.
The policy in relation to the grant of special leave to other members of the public service is a matter for the Minister or organisation concerned.