Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff that availed of the special civil service incentive career break scheme 2009; the cost of the scheme since its introduction; the savings on the pay bill in that time period; the estimated full year cost for the return of all the new civil servants in 2013; the number of staff members that applied for a further extension of their leave; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45617/12]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff across the public service that are currently on a career break; if he will provide a breakdown of the numbers on career leave by Department and agency; the estimated cost of this scheme per year; the number of staff currently hired temporarily to cover those on career break; the reforms that have taken place in this general area in the past year; if these staff were counted as a reduction in numbers employed in the public service during that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45632/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 741 and 742 together.

In my Department, thirteen staff availed of the incentivised career break scheme.  Two of the thirteen applied successfully for a further extension.  In total there are currently eight staff on career breaks, three of whom are on the incentivised scheme.  Staff on career breaks are not included in staff numbers.

The financial information requested by the Deputy regarding savings and costs of the incentivised scheme is currently being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy upon completion.

The 'original' career break scheme is considered a saving in my Department, though the supression or termination of these positions would yield a greater saving exclusive of once off severance payments. There are no staff in my Department hired temporarily to cover those on career break.

I have asked the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the Deputy with the information requested.  If you do not receive a reply from the Agencies within ten working days, please advise my private office.