James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of applications for sick leave payment for more than 12 months since 1 January 2005; the number she approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41023/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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Under the terms of the Department of Health Circular No. 10/71, public health sector employees in 'officer' grades may be entitled to receive six months full-pay and six months half-pay in a four year period. Where an employee remains unfit for work, has exceeded sick pay entitlement and there is a reasonable expectation and intention to return to work, they may qualify to receive pension-rate of pay, provided that they have accrued not less than five years service. Under the terms of the circular, the consent of the Minister for Health and Children was required for the application of pension rate of pay. With effect from 15th July 2005, responsibility for the administration of pension rate of pay, in respect of Health Service Executive employees, transferred from my Department to the Executive. Accordingly, I have referred your query in relation to HSE employees, to the HSE for direct reply. My Department is in the process of gathering information in relation to applications from other public health service employees, and it will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as it is collated.