asked the Minister for Justice the reason an application for special educational unpaid leave to undertake an EEC sponsored linguistic course was refused in April 1983 to a person (details supplied); and the criteria that are normally applied in deciding on applications of this nature.
Written Answers. - Educational Unpaid Leave.
483.
Limerick East): The application was refused because the criteria which are normally applied in such cases, and which are used generally in the Civil Service, were not satisfied. These criteria are as follows:
(a) the course of study must be of direct benefit to the officer in the performance of his/her official duties;
(b) the officer must have given a reasonable period of service before special leave can be granted, and
(c) the Department must by reference to staffing requirements be able to release the officer.
Incidentally, I understand that the course in question is not sponsored by the EEC.