Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if he will make available the number of Health Service Executive staff currently on, or awaiting to return from, career breaks; if he will provide assurances that all those returning from a career break will be re-employed within the HSE, as per the strict terms of the individual's career break contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7004/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that under the terms of the career break scheme which operates in the health service, HSE employees are required to give 3 month's notice of their intention to return from career break. In the event that a suitable, vacancy which can be filled does not arise on the termination of the period of the career break, employees are guaranteed re-employment within the HSE within 12 months of the date of termination of the career break.

The HSE has further advised that there are currently 931 individuals on or awaiting return from career break across the HSE. The following is the position in each HSE area:

Dublin North East: the current total for staff on or awaiting return from career breaks in DNE is 73;

Dublin Mid-Leinster: there are currently 232 individuals on career break in HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster. Of these, 43 are on a waiting list pending an approved vacancy becoming available, 16 of the 43 have already been offered 1 or more posts but have refused the offer. 29 have expressed their interest in returning to work and are on their 12 month extended waiting period;

HSE South: there are currently 300 individuals on career break in HSE South. 98 of these are awaiting return, of whom 43 have been made and refused an offer of a post. 55 have received no offer; and

HSE West: there are 326 staff on or awaiting return from career breaks at the current time in HSE West.