Vol. 471 No. 1
114 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Finance if the current career break scheme for civil servants is available to applicants who wish to take an apprenticeship with a solicitor in view of the fact that a small allowance is paid to the apprentice; and if not, if he will consider amending the scheme in order to facilitate persons wishing to take up such an apprenticeship. [20413/96]
Career breaks are available for child-rearing and certain other domestic purposes (e.g. care of a sick relative), educational purposes and travel abroad. With effect from 15 July 1996 this year, on a trial basis for one year, the educational purposes category was extended to include devilling at the Bar. As the relationship between a solicitor and his-her apprentice is that of an employer-employee, a career break is not available for that purpose.
An interdepartmental committee under the auspices of the Department of Enterprise and Employment has been examining a range of options in relation to work-sharing and flexible working options in the public sector. It is understood that their report will be considered shortly.
