Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 6 Nov 1991

Vol. 412 No. 2

Written Answers. - Job-Sharing and Career Break Scheme.

Roger T. Garland

Ceist:

31 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline, within the area of responsibility of his Department and covering each year from the commencement of the job-sharing and career break scheme (a) the total number of applications received and (b) the total granted and not granted; if he will give a breakdown of the grades involved under each heading and the reasons some applications were turned down; if his Department have plans to extend the job sharing scheme from working halved hours to a system which facilitates the worker's requirements; and if not, the reason therefor.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

Since the establishment of my Department in March 1987 there have been ten applications for participation in the job-sharing scheme, five from executive officers and five from clerical assistants. Nine of the ten applications have been granted to date. The remaining applicant has applied to return from a career break on a job-sharing basis. As no partner is currently available efforts are being made by my Department to recruit a partner through the Civil Service Commission. If this proves unsuccessful the applicant will return to duty on a full-time basis until a partner can be found.

All job-sharers have been facilitated with their preferred working hours.

My Department have processed 36 applications for career breaks, two from higher executive officers, seven from executive officers, one from a staff officer, eight from clerical officers, 11 from clerical assistants, six from laboratory technicians and one from an engineering drafts person. Five of these applications did not satisfy the criteria for the grant of career breaks and were refused accordingly.