484 Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the number of public sector places made vacant by maternity or other leave that have not been filled since the implementation of the embargo on recruitment and overtime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4257/11]

Since the implementation in my Department and Offices of the embargo on recruitment and overtime on 27 March 2009, 117 staff availed of either Maternity or Extended Maternity Leave. 4 staff availed of Carer's Leave. 210 staff availed of Term Time / Shorter Working Year Leave, with a further 118 staff applying in 2011. In addition, 20 staff availed of Career Breaks; this figure does not include the staff who availed of the Special Incentive Career Break scheme. As a result of the embargo none of these vacancies were filled.