I propose to take Questions Nos. 136 and 137 together.
The Term Time scheme was replaced by the Shorter Working Year scheme in 2009 which allows civil servants to balance their working arrangements with outside commitments, including the school holiday periods for children. Under the terms of the scheme, special unpaid leave periods, not exceeding 13 weeks, may be available. The following table outlines the number of staff within my Department and those under my aegis who availed of the Shorter Working Year scheme in 2012 and the estimated number in 2013:
Number of staff availing of the Shorter Working Year scheme
Department/Office
|
2012
Number of Staff
|
2012
Average Duration
(weeks)
|
2013
Number of staff (Estimate)
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
|
27
|
5
|
20
|
Ombudsman
|
5
|
7.4
|
4
|
Public Appointments Service
|
4
|
4.5
|
4
|
State Laboratory
|
11
|
4.5
|
10
|
Office of Public Works
|
63
|
5
|
50
|
Total
|
110
|
5
|
88
|