Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 October 2012
162. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will provide a breakdown of instances in which fees have been paid out to members and civilians and courses have not been completed, with the consequent loss of the course fees paid by the Garda Síochána. [46991/12]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that there are two types of relevant courses - partially funded courses and sponsored courses. Partially funded courses are courses where Garda personnel, including civilian staff, pay for themselves and at the successful conclusion of the course they submit a claim for a reimbursement of fees. Such fees will only be paid if the person successfully completes the course and this ensures that there is no loss of fees on the part of An Garda Síochána. Sponsored courses are funded directly by the State and persons who participate do not have to pay for the courses themselves. Where Garda personnel do not complete sponsored courses they are reallocated to other personnel to the maximum extent possible. I understand from the Garda authorities that the number of situations where these courses have not been completed is not readily available and could only be compiled using Garda resources which are required for other purposes.
