Departmental Staff Career Breaks

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2012

Tuesday, 16 October 2012

Questions (271)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

271. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of staff that availed of the special civil service incentive career break scheme 2009; the cost of the scheme since its introduction; the savings on the pay bill in that time period; the estimated full year cost for the return of all the new civil servants in 2013; the number of staff members that applied for a further extension of their leave; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44358/12]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform was set up in July 2011. In 2009, 2 members of staff, who were at that time Department of Finance employees and subsequently became employees of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in July 2011, availed of the special civil service incentivised career break Scheme. The staff were reflected as a reduction in our numbers. The cost to my Department was €25,000. The savings on the pay bill in that time period was €106,218. Only one of the officers returned from the incentivised career break and the full year salary cost in 2013 will be €48,831. No staff members applied for a further extension of their leave. In all cases, my Department fully complied with the terms and conditions set out in Circular 13-2009.