I propose to take Questions Nos. 196 and 197 together.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the Shorter Working Year Scheme which replaced the Term Time Scheme in 2009. In this respect, staff in my Department, and in organisations and agencies under the aegis of my Department, can apply for unpaid leave in accordance with the relevant Department of Finance circular. As far as possible staff are facilitated to avail of the Shorter Working Year scheme, however, the granting of such leave is subject to the business needs of the staff member's business unit.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to the scheme is set out in the following table:
|
Number of staff who availed of the SWY scheme in 2012
|
Average duration of such leave
(in weeks)
|
Number of staff who have applied to date for leave under the SWY scheme for 2013
|
Department and agencies staffed by it
|
154
|
5.00
|
163
|
Courts Service
|
62
|
4.40
|
58
|
Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission
|
3
|
4.66
|
2
|
Human Rights Commission
|
0
|
n/a
|
0
|
Irish Prisons Service (non-admin staff)
|
0
|
n/a
|
0
|
Legal Aid Board
|
38
|
4.30
|
37
|
National Disability Authority
|
0
|
n/a
|
0
|
Property Registration Authority
|
112
|
5.68
|
92
|
Information in relation to An Garda Síochána is not to hand and will be forwarded to the Deputy separately.