Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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293. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff in his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do so in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31213/13]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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294. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department who availed of term time in 2012; the average duration of such in 2012; the number that will do so in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31229/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 294 together.

The scheme of 'Term Time' as referred to by the Deputy, was replaced in 2009 by the Shorter Working Year Scheme.  (Circular 14 of 2009 - Shorter Working Year Scheme superseded Circular 32 of 2006 - Revised Term Time Scheme 2006 .)  The purpose of the shorter working year scheme is to permit civil servants to balance their working arrangements with outside commitments, including the school holiday periods of their children.  Staff wishing to avail of the scheme must apply each year.  The granting of applications for the shorter working year is subject to the operating requirements of the Department not being adversely affected.

The number of staff in my Department who availed of the Shorter Working Year Scheme in 2012 was 22.  The average duration of such leave availed of in 2012 was 5.7 weeks. The number of staff in my Department who have availed of or who applied to avail of the Shorter Working Year Scheme in 2013 to date is 14. The remuneration of the staff concerned is of course reduced pro rata to their reduced working year.

The information requested by the Deputy pertaining to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for said agencies.  I have asked that they provide the Deputy with the information requested.  If you do not receive a reply from the agencies or organisations within  within 10 working days please advise my private office.