Vol. 531 No. 2
75 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she will take a day's leave to carry out voluntary work in recognition of this year as the International Year of the Volunteer; if she will allow all staff in her Department to take a day off on a similar basis; the steps she will take to pay tribute to the International Year of the Volunteer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5339/01]
I intend to take a specific day's leave to undertake voluntary work in recognition of this year being the International Year of the Volunteer. I intend devoting that day to a specific organisation which will provide me with a greater insight into the more minute workings on a day to day basis of the voluntary tier. On a separate point, I add that I have traditionally taken two to three weeks' annual leave.
There are no provisions in the Civil Service for paid leave for voluntary work. Special leave without pay is available to civil servants for many purposes, including service with voluntary organisations. All applications from staff for such leave will be examined on their merits. I will ask my Department to encourage staff to spend more time participating in voluntary work not only for the International Year of the Volunteer but for worthwhile causes in the future.
