asked the Minister for Finance the number of public servants at present on a career break; the estimated number due to resume employment in 1987 and 1988; if all these staff will be re-employed in the public service at the conclusion of their career breaks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Public Service Career Breaks.
46.
A total of 7,465 public servants took career breaks in the period from April 1984 (date of introduction of the scheme) to 31 October 1986, the latest date for which complete returns are available.
Civil servants whose career breaks are due to expire have the option of seeking to resume duty, extending their career breaks up to a maximum of five years or resigning. In this context and based on current trends it is estimated that between 100 and 150 civil servants will seek to return to work before the end of 1987 and that a further 200 to 300 will seek to resume duty in 1988. Information in relation to the number of staff due to resume employment in the wider public sector over the same periods is not kept in my Department.
Officers due to return from career breaks will be offered an extension of their career breaks up to a period not exceeding five years in all or if they do not wish to extend the career break will be allowed to return provided suitable vacancies are available.