A career break consists of special leave without pay for a period of not less than one year and not more than five years. It is open to an employee who has satisfactorily completed a probationary period to apply for a career break for most purposes including further education, domestic responsibilities, starting a business or a stay abroad. Under the scheme, a career break may not, however, be allowed for the purpose of taking up alternative employment within the State.
The operation of the career break scheme in local government is subject to the operating requirements of local authorities not being adversely affected or undue additional expenditure being incurred. Decisions on the granting or refusal of a career break are entirely a matter for the relevant county or city manager.