asked the Minister for Finance if single persons are eligible for career breaks under the changes introduced in the career breaks recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
117.
Written Answers. - Career Break Scheme.
108.
asked the Minister for Finance the changes, if any, which have been introduced in the operation of the career breaks scheme; the number of males and females who have applied for career breaks; the average length of career breaks; and the number of males and females who have returned to the public service from career breaks.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 117 together.
Career breaks continue to be available in the Civil Service for child rearing and certain other domestic purposes, e.g. care of a sick relative, as well as for educational purposes. In certain grades where there are identified surpluses career breaks continue to be available for other purposes, e.g. travel or other jobs, in addition to the domestic and educational purposes already indicated. Computer and certain specialist grades cannot be facilitated with career breaks because of the need of the work in Departments. In the context of the foregoing, officers are eligible for career breaks irrespective of whether they are single.
To date, an estimated total of 962 male and 1,927 female civil servants have been granted career breaks. The average length of career breaks being applied for is one year. An estimated total of 199 males and 409 females have returned to the Civil Service from career breaks.