John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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169. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of civil servants in his Department currently on career breaks or leave of absence. [38939/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that 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 three career breaks during their career provided the total period does not exceed twelve years.

Further to this, there are a number of other types of paid and unpaid leave which would constitute a leave of absence. Please see below table of the breakdown of staff in my Department who are currently on either career break or other forms paid or unpaid leave.