Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 6 Mar 1996

Vol. 462 No. 6

Written Answers. - Job Sharing Policy.

Noel Ahern

Question:

58 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Finance the Government's policy regarding job sharing applications within the Civil Service; whether this policy is being adhered to; if he will give a guarantee that the recruitment embargo will not block these applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5336/96]

Minister for Finance (Mr. Quinn)

All full-time officers are eligible to apply for job sharing. The job sharing scheme is based on the principle of two people sharing one job.

In general, most applicants are facilitated within a short time. In some instances, depending on the size of the parent Department, the grade of the applicant, the particular form of job sharing requested or the particular needs of the Department, finding a suitable partner can take time. In such cases, Departments usually contact each other, either directly or through my Department, in the hope of finding a partner in another Department. Every effort is made to find a partner and in general the outcome is successful. Where there are particular difficulties, Departments consult officials in my Department to find a solution. In a few rare instances, it has not yet been possible to make a suitable job sharing arrangement. A record of any such "live" request is kept by my Department, who continue to search for a possible partner.

It is not the intention that the current restrictions on the growth of Civil Service numbers should alter the position in relation to dealing with job sharing applications. A letter to that effect has been issued to all Departments.