Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
400. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the number of officials in his Department and in the Health Service Executive 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 and the HSE of paying these fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51358/13]
View answerOfficials in my Department do not receive club membership fees, including sports clubs. Payment of professional membership fees are made where it is required for a specialised profession in my Department. Membership of a professional body can be regarded as relevant to the business of my Department where it facilitates the acquisition of knowledge which is necessary for the duties of a role, or directly related to the performance of the staff's present or prospective duties in the Department. A sum of €6,986 was paid in 2013 for professional fees in respect of eleven officials in my Department. The Health Service Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
