asked the Minister for the Public Service the average number of days spent by officers of his Department on training courses each year; and if he is satisfied with the level of management and technical training in his Department.
Written Answers. - Training Courses.
459.
A training programme is drawn up annually to meet the perceived training requirements of individual officers in my Department in both the matter of management and technical training. For officers in middle and higher level grades, training is mainly by way of attendance at the Civil Service Training Centre of my Department, the Institute of Public Administration, the Irish Management Institute and at various centres abroad. For officers in other grades, training is mainly by way of attendance at courses run by the Department's training officer who is employed full-time on that work.
An average figure is not a true reflection of the effectiveness of the training done in a Department which, as stated, is intended to meet the perceived needs of individual officers. However, in 1981 the number of days spent by officers of my Department on training courses was 1,560.
While I am satisfied with the level of management and technical training in my Department, my aim is always to improve this where possible.