I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together.
The number of civil servants granted leave under the career break scheme for the period to 31 October, 1984 is 414. Of these 274 are for one year, 52 for two years and 88 for three years.
The number of civil servants who have commenced job-sharing in the same period is 86.
The purpose of both schemes, which were introduced by me earlier this year, is to create additional job opportunities for young people in the Civil Service and to facilitate those with special domestic responsibilities or wishing to pursue particular interests. I am very encouraged by the number of staff who have availed of both schemes in the short period since their introduction. I am confident that the high level of interest in the schemes will be maintained.
The success of the schemes in the Civil Service has prompted the Government to have them extended to other areas in the public sector, and a commitment to this effect is given in the national plan. I have recently written to my colleagues in this regard and I expect that the schemes will attract as much interest, and enjoy the same level of success, in the rest of the public sector as in the Civil Service.
The Department of Health have already introduced a scheme of career breaks in the health sector.
I should like to take this opportunity to put on record my appreciation of the co-operation received from Departments in the promotion and implementation of the schemes in the Civil Service and in the plans to have them extended to the public sector. As is so often the case, the success of schemes devised centrally is dependent largely on the goodwill and commitment of those whose responsibility it is to have them implemented. I am particularly grateful to the staff involved.