Vol. 576 No. 3
136 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the policy of her Department in respect of persons who are job-sharing and who seek to take up full-time work; and if her Department can take into account special personal circumstances of persons who might need to increase their hours working. [29604/03]
The Civil Service worksharing scheme provides that the minimum period for which a person may opt to workshare is 12 months, and that a person participating in the scheme may choose only one attendance option in a 12 month period.
In addition, the scheme provides that a person, who has availed of worksharing for a period of at least one year, may apply to return to full-time work, subject to the availability of a fillable vacancy.
While the main consideration is the availability of a fillable vacancy, every application to increase hours of attendance is considered on its own merits, and the personal circumstances of the applicant are taken into account.
