125. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of vacancies, by grade, in her Department at the end of August 2023 and August 2024; the number of staff, by grade, on career break for more than five years; and the number of staff, by grade, on career break for more than six years at those same times. [43325/24]

In respect of the information sought by the Deputy, it is set out in the tables below. Unfortunately, my Department does not have a grade breakdown of vacancies at the end of August 2023.

At the end of August 2024, my Department held the vacancies tabled below.

Staff on Career Breaks - end August 2023

Staff on Career Breaks - end August 2024

I trust this clarifies the matter.