Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 1426: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the procedures to be followed in regard to qualification for a career break of up to four years for local authority officials together with the appeals protocol to be followed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26014/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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.