Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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349. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the breakdown of personnel undertaking career breaks for the Army, the Naval Service and the Air Corps by rank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40295/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The administration of Career Breaks or Special Leave Without Pay and Allowances (SLWPA), is provided for in Defence Forces Regulation A11. The Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) determines the granting of such leave, which is subject to the exigencies of the service.

I am advised by Military Authorities that as of 31 October 2020, there are a total of 74 Defence Forces personnel currently availing of a career break, the breakdown of which is set out in the following table:

A career break may be granted for the purposes of domestic responsibilities, further education and travel abroad, for periods of not less than six months and not more than five years.

A career break may also be granted for the purposes of self-employment, for a period of not less than six months and not more than three years. Members of the Defence Forces may be granted no more than two career breaks over the course of their service in the Permanent Defence Force.