Departmental Staff

Wednesday, 22 January 2025

Questions (115)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

115. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence to provide an assurance that no civil servant has had their career break extended beyond five years where there is a suitable vacancy in their home Department or agency; that, where a civil servant has had their career break extended beyond five years on account of there being no suitable vacancy in their home Department or agency, that they have been placed on a redeployment panel; that, where a civil servant has had their career break extended beyond six years, that consideration has been given to facilitating them on a supernumerary basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46222/24]

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Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence

I can confirm that the provisions of Circular 4/2013, Career Break Scheme in the Civil Service, are strictly complied with in all cases where civil servants avail of a career break in my Department. As per the Circular, the onus is on each individual to notify the Department of their intention to return to work at least two months in advance of the end of their career break. My Department facilitates a return to work as soon as a vacancy at the appropriate grade becomes available. There have been no instances in my Department where career breaks have been extended beyond five years arising from there being no suitable vacancy.