Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
157. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department pays for any of its employees to receive third level qualifications; if so, the annual cost for each of the past five years; if the employee will receive a financial bonus as a result of receiving this qualification; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51385/13]
View answerIn line with its Learning and Development Strategy 2013-2015, the Department promotes a learning culture where it provides staff and management with learning and development opportunities both internally and externally, including supports to attain third level qualifications.
Participation in third level programmes is supported through refunding fees paid by staff undertaking these courses. The areas of study which are funded reflect the Department’s current and future business needs. No financial bonus is paid to recipients on achievement of the relevant qualification.
The table below sets out details of total payments and numbers of recipients in respect of third-level fees paid by the Department in each academic year from 2008/09 to 2012/13:
|
Academic Year |
Cost of Fees Paid |
No. of Persons |
|
2008-2009 |
€ 184,937 |
95 |
|
2009-2010 |
€174,593 |
76 |
|
2010-2011 |
€ 191,268 |
94 |
|
2011-2012 |
€ 204,828 |
93 |
|
2012-2013 |
€ 194,547 |
98 |
