Civil Service

Tuesday, 5 November 2024

Questions (663)

Carol Nolan

Question:

663. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is satisfied that the provisions of the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform Circular 4/2013 are being properly implemented by her Department; if she is satisfied that civil servants whose career breaks are coming to an end are being notified of appropriate vacancies; if she is concerned by instances where civil servants are having their career breaks extended unnecessarily where the Department has appropriate vacancies to fill; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44383/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

I am satisfied that the Department implements the provisions of Circular 4/2013 by making an offer to any Civil Servant that requests to return from career break as soon as an appropriate vacancy becomes available and within 12 months of their return from Career Break.

The Department's HR and local business areas endeavour to facilitate the return of an employee from career break as soon as is possible having regard to vacancies in the relevant location of the returnee's previous position and also where possible, to find a suitable role for the employee with regard to their experience and skills.