Health Services Staff Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Questions (560)

Billy Timmins

Question:

560. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the Health Service Executive staff offer of a three year career break on up to a maximum of €12,000 per year, the deadline for applications was 31 May and the career break starts on 1 July and may be deferred to the last day of 2013; if, in view of the fact that some workers only read about this in the paper in the past few weeks and are too late to apply, the date to which applications may be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29201/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

On 1 May 2013 my Department authorised the HSE to introduce an Incentivised Career Break Scheme in the HSE and in organisations funded by the HSE under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004. The Scheme is one of a number of measures being employed to assist in the Health Sector achieving the reduction in staffing numbers required by Government. While the scheme is subject to the operating requirement that services are not adversely affected, applications for career breaks were to be facilitated to the greatest extent possible.

A total of 2,706 applications were received by the closing date of 31st May. Health service managers are currently considering the applications received and decisions are being notified to the staff members concerned. Under the terms of the Circular career breaks sanctioned under the scheme must start no later than 1 July, 2013, unless for business reasons the employer determines that release cannot be permitted until later in 2013. I have no plans to change or extend the timelines which have been set.