Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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1191. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of civil servants under his remit who have been re-instated in recent years after taking a career break; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38734/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The terms of the Career Break Scheme for civil servants are set out in Circular 04/2013.  The return to work provisions of the scheme are set out in paragraphs 31-34.  At the end of a career break a civil servant must either return to work, resign or if applicable request an extension to their career break.  The maximum period of a career break is five years or twelve years aggregate over three career breaks.  While on career break a civil servant retains their status as a civil servant.  The return to work provision only applies to civil servants that were granted a career break in accordance with the scheme.

Since 2012, eight Civil Servants in my Department were re-instated to my Department after taking a career break.  In the same period, five former members of staff of my Department were redeployed to other Departments/Offices, three resigned and one retired, all after taking a career break.