Vol. 555 No. 2
182 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Finance if he will consider granting special leave with pay for public servants who wish to assist the Special Olympics in 2003 in order to further the policy of social inclusion. [17952/02]
Under the Civil Service Regulation Acts the Minister for Finance is responsible for the conditions of service of civil servants. The conditions of service of other public servants are matters for the organisations in which they serve.
In so far as civil servants are concerned, the rules governing their conditions of service provide for special leave for the purpose of service in this country with voluntary organisations engaged wholly or mainly on charitable work. This special leave is unpaid.
Volunteering for the Special Olympics is a praiseworthy and meritorious undertaking. Accordingly, civil servants who wish to volunteer will be facilitated as far as possible, through release on special leave without pay, subject to the exigencies of the public service and the work of their Departments/offices.
In addition, a claim for paid special leave for Special Olympics volunteers is currently being discussed at the general council of the scheme of conciliation and arbitration for the Civil Service. Discussions on the issue are expected to be concluded shortly.
