John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the arrangements in place regarding established civil servants wishing to take a career break; the periods when these career breaks may be taken; his plans to amend this scheme or introduce an incentivised career break scheme; his plans to reintroduce the early retirement scheme making it available to those under the age of 50 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33849/11]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The current arrangements in place regarding established civil servants wishing to take a career break are set out in civil service circular no. 18/98 - Special leave without pay for career breaks - and were amended in a letter to Personnel Officers of 3 March 2008 - available on www.personnelcode.gov.ie. This scheme allows for established civil servants, who have satisfactorily completed two years' continuous service, to apply for special leave without pay for a career break, provided they have not reached retirement age and the duration of a career break may not extend beyond retirement age.

A career break consists of special leave without pay for a period of not less than six months and not more than five years. A career break may be extended by periods of six months or more up to a period of five years.

Eligible staff may, in general, avail of two career breaks in the Civil Service. The maximum limit of two career breaks may be waived at the discretion of the head of Department, provided the total period of special leave does not exceed ten years in total.

In relation to the Special Civil Service Incentive Career Break Scheme, this scheme was introduced as a once-off measure in the Supplementary Budget on 7 April 2009. The measure was extended to staff in different areas of the public service, including the local government sector and the HSE. The closing date for participation in this scheme has expired and I have no plans to extend the scheme at this time.

I have no plans to introduce a general exit package such as early retirement.