Vol. 531 No. 2
190 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will take a day's leave in order to carry out voluntary work in recognition of this year as the International Year of the Volunteer; if he will allow all staff in his Department to take a day off on a similar basis; the steps he will take to pay tribute to the International Year of the Volunteer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5347/01]
Special leave without pay is available to civil servants for many purposes, including service with voluntary organisations. In this the International Year of the Volunteer, my Department will do all it can to support staff who wish to spend time on voluntary work within the general arrangements which apply to civil servants. All applications from staff of my Department for special leave for the purpose of service with voluntary organisations will be examined on their merits.
