Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2013
331. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if full increments paid to persons who are in the public service who are on work sharing arrangements, taking term time leave or other types of leave without pay; the way increments are calculated in respect of these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7120/13]
View answerAs I have direct responsibility for Human Resources policy for the civil service, the information provided is in respect of civil servants only. The Deputy should consult with the other sectors of the public service to determine the practice in the individual sectors.
Recent changes to the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS), provide that from 2013 onwards increments will only be awarded where a staff member’s performance has fully achieved expectations or above.
In line with the European Court of Justice ruling in the case of Hellen Gerster v Freistaat Bayern, which was handed down on the 2 October 1997, civil servants who workshare are awarded increments on the same basis as full time staff. In such cases, service is calculated as if the worksharer was in full time service. Such civil servants’ pay, however, is reduced on a pro rata basis depending on their work pattern.
In general, special leave without pay does not count for incremental purposes. Exceptions to this are listed in the table.
|
Type of Leave |
Circular which refers |
Reference to remuneration |
|
Carer’s Leave |
Statutory – Circular 39/2005 |
The first 13 weeks counts toward the qualifying service period for the award of an increment |
|
Shorter Working Year Scheme (formerly “term time” ) |
Circular 14/2009 |
The entire period of leave counts toward the qualifying service period for the award of an increment |
|
Special leave without pay to take up employment with the EC or other international organizations of which Ireland is a member |
Circular 2/76 and 33/91 |
In certain circumstances the Head of the Department can decide to award the civil servant incremental progression on his/her returns to the civil service. This award is subject to certain criteria, including consideration that the value of the civil servant’s service has been enhanced because of the appointment with the other organisation. |
