I propose to take Questions Nos. 140 and 141 together.
Three staff availed of the Shorter Working Year (formerly known as term time) in my Department in 2012 and the average duration was 6.66 weeks. To date, 5 members of staff have indicated that they wish to avail of the scheme in 2013.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO), incorporating the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), is the only agency under the aegis of my Department. No staff in NESDO availed of the Shorter Working Year scheme in 2012 and no applications have been received to date in 2013.