I propose to take Questions Nos. 643, 711 and 712 together.
The information in relation to the Non-Commercial State Agencies under the aegis of my Department is currently being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is available. With regard to the Health Service Executive, they have been asked to collate the data sought as soon as possible and it will be provided directly to the Deputy by them when available.
My Department operates a standard scheme of career breaks which allow staff to take up to five years unpaid leave. In addition, in 2009 only, Special Incentive Career Breaks were available which provided up to three years special leave, with an incentive payment of a third of gross basic salary, up to a maximum of €12,500, for each year of the break. Those on this special scheme could seek an unpaid extension to bring their total break to a maximum of five years.
Ten staff have availed of this special scheme, as follows: 1 Assistant Principal; 4 Higher Executive Officers; 3 Executive Officers; and 2 Clerical Officers.
The cost of incentive payments to the above staff came to €256,700. Normal salary payments saved as a consequence of these special breaks came to €1,119,574 giving a net overall saving of €862,874. None of the above staff have sought extensions of their special career breaks, and the pay cost of these returned staff in 2013 will be €245,433.
In addition, three staff are currently on standard unpaid career breaks as follows: 1 Assistant Principal; and 2 Clerical Officers.
Staff are not counted as part of the Department's employment numbers while on either standard or Special Incentive career breaks. There have been no additional staff employed to cover for staff on either form of career breaks. Significant reductions in staff numbers have also occurred as a result of retirements. Remaining staff have been redeployed to best address the Department's business priorities, and this will continue on an ongoing basis as circumstances demand.