Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

37. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the options open to a civil servant on a six-month career break to extend it by a further two months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4508/16]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As part of my responsibilities as Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, I have responsibility for the terms and conditions of employment of civil servants, including career breaks.

Career breaks consist of special leave without pay for a period of not less than six months for the following reasons:

-family reasons

-other domestic reasons

-travel

-educational purposes

-taking up employment in the private sector

-becoming self employed

A civil servant may apply to extend the career break in six monthly periods, or in periods in excess of six months, provided the total period of continuous special leave without pay does not exceed five years, or three years in cases of self employment or employment in the private sector.