Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Finance if he still provides staff with the option to take career breaks on one year or more; if not, if this can be considered as a cost saving initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40856/12]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Career breaks are available in the civil service and in the state sector generally. The scheme is promoted as being one of a number of facilities that help staff to combine work and family responsibilities. 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 in six monthly periods or in periods in excess of six months provided the total period of special leave without pay does not exceed five years in all. Subject to certain conditions eligible staff may, in general avail of two career breaks during their career provided the total period does not exceed ten years.