asked the Minister for Finance if there is any special training scheme at present in operation for civil servants who may be concerned in the work connected with this country's possible entry into larger trading blocs in the future; and whether any additional schemes are contemplated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Civil Service Training Schemes.
5.
Mr. O'Leary
The number of officers experienced in the general field referred to in the question is being augmented as successive officers serve tours of duty in the appropriate sections of the Departments directly concerned.
In addition, training courses operated by my Department for new entrants to the public service include lectures on such groups and organisations as the European Economic Community, the European Free Trade Association, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Facilities are provided also for the attendance of officials at classes and courses in the principal European languages.
No additional schemes are at present contemplated but the matter is being kept under review.
Mr. O'Leary
Could the Minister say if it is contemplated in the near future to do anything extra about our people in the diplomatic service towards enabling them to get a greater appreciation of commercial realities? Is the Minister aware that a feeling has grown up in recent years that our embassies do not appear to have up to date information about current commercial developments?
I do not know that that feeling is founded on any fact but it would be a matter for the Minister for External Affairs to draw the attention of his officers overseas to these activities.