Vol. 444 No. 1
56 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Finance if he will facilitate short periods of leave of absence for public servants whose skills would contribute to the relief of suffering in Rwanda; if he will have arrangements made with non-Government organisations such as Concern so that such leave of absence can be given to appropriate personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
In the Civil Service, provision already exists for the grant of up to five years' special leave without pay to enable officers to work overseas under the auspices of missionary or charitable organisations. The grant of leave for such purposes is a matter for each Department/Office and is subject to the exigencies of official work. Accordingly, any civil servants who wish to engage in relief work in Rwanda with non-governmental organisations such as Concern may apply for special leave to their individual personnel units.
As regards staff in other areas of the public service, the grant of special leave for relief work in Rwanda would be a matter for the relevant Ministers and employing authorities.
