I propose to take Questions Nos. 142 and 143 together.
Some 11 staff from my Department availed of study leave in 2012. The average duration of leave taken was 4.05 days. To date in 2013, 6 staff have availed of study leave. The average duration of leave taken is 4.58 days.
Staff have yet to apply for courses for the 2013 - 2014 academic year. Therefore it is not possible to anticipate the amount of study leave that will be taken later this year.
The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) is the only agency under the aegis of my Department. One member of staff in NESDO availed of 5 days study leave in 2012. There have been no applications for study leave to date in NESDO in 2013.
Staff apply for study leave under the terms of Circular 23/2007. Under the terms of the circular, study leave is paid leave. No benefits have been paid to staff beyond the terms of the circular.
Training takes place during normal working hours and the question of leave does not arise.