Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
222. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his Department is paying 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [51377/13]
View answerI assume that the Deputy is seeking information on courses of third level study, funded by my Department and pursued by staff outside of working hours. Each year my Department invites staff to make an application for funding within the terms of the Refund of Fees Programme (Post-Entry Education) under Department of Finance Circular 23/07. Applications are considered for approval where the course is relevant to the applicant's role and to the work of their Division and the Department. Funding is allocated on the basis of payment on successful completion of the academic year including any prescribed examinations, verified by the relevant college or institution. The Department makes no payment in respect of qualifications obtained by staff members
The table below sets out details of the annual cost of third level fees refunds under the relevant Circular for 5 years.
Third Level Qualifications
|
Year |
Total Cost |
|
Academic Year 2013/2014 |
€58,576* |
|
Academic Year 2012/2013 |
€39,204 |
|
Academic Year 2011/2012 |
€32,761 |
|
Academic Year 2010/2011 |
€38,025 |
|
Academic Year 2009/2010 |
€52,943 |
*projected
