Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
221. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of officials in his Department that are receiving the cost of club membership fees, including sports clubs and professional bodies, as part of their contract of employment; the total cost per year to his Department of paying these fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51363/13]
View answerMy Department does not pay fees for any staff member in respect of club or sporting and recreational organisation membership. As the Deputy will appreciate the staff of my Department includes key professional, technical and specialist practitioners who underpin our strategic policy role in important economic sectors. In that regard, the Department pays membership fees for key staff to professional bodies that:
1. Are fundamental to facilitating these staff members in carrying out their duties on behalf of the Department and
2. Embrace a continuing education and essential professional development element.
In 2013 fees totalling €3134.20 were paid in respect of 16 professional memberships. Payment of such fees are not included in contracts of employment. Payment of professional fees relates to the conduct of the Department's business
Details of the professional fees paid this year are set out below:
Professional Membership Fees
|
Membership |
Number of persons |
Total Cost |
|
Dublin Solicitors Bar Association |
1 |
€95.00 |
|
Engineers Ireland |
3 |
€920.00 |
|
Energy Institute |
1 |
€172.13 |
|
Law Society of Ireland |
1 |
€85.00 |
|
Chartered Association of Certified Accountants |
1 |
€259.31 |
|
Institute of Internal Auditors |
2 |
€408.72 |
|
Society of Economic Geologists |
1 |
€156.04 |
|
Institute of Geologists |
6 |
€1038.00 |
