asked the Minister for Finance if he will confirm that arrangements which were agreed in 1986 whereby public servants were entitled to represent Ireland in major international contests abroad without suffering loss of pay is still in operation; and if he will outline the arrangements whereby such public servants who, having been selected to represent this country in such major international contests, can apply for permission for leave of absence without loss of pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - International Contests Participants.
81.
The arrangement agreed to in 1986 whereby civil servants could be granted paid leave to represent Ireland at major international competitions abroad is still in operation. Special leave with pay may be granted to officers representing Ireland at (1) The Olympic Games; (2) World Championship Events; (3) European Championship Events; (4) Pre-Olympic Events in sports where there are specific pre-Olympic qualifying competitions. The concession granted in 1986 represented an extension of the prior arrangement whereby leave with pay was granted to civil servants representing Ireland at the 1984 Olympic Games.
Officers seeking such special leave with pay are required to submit a completed application form to their personnel officers which verifies the status of the competition for which the leave is sought and supplies other relevant particulars. The application forms are available from personnel sections.