Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 10 Mar 1992

Vol. 417 No. 1

Written Answers. - Civil Service Staff Training.

Gay Mitchell

Ceist:

141 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline, in respect of his Department and of any Civil Service office under his aegis, (1) the number and grades of the full-time staff engaged in the staff training unit, (2) the nature, number and duration of the training courses given during 1991, (3) the grades catered for on these courses and the numbers in each grade who attended, (4) if he has any plans in relation to the development of the training unit, (5) the number of those who attended courses at the Civil Service training centre in each of the years 1989 to 1991 and (6) the number of staff who are paid a refund of, (a) full fees and (b) part fees in respect of attendance at educational courses leading to the award of degrees, certificates and other qualifications; and if, in the case of, (b) above he will further outline the percentage of the fee which is refunded and the way in which that percentage was determined.

Minister for the Marine (Dr. Woods)

The replies to the Deputy's questions are as follows: (1) The staff training function in my Department is carried out as an integral part of the working of the Finance and Personnel Division. Training duties are shared with the other duties and functions of the division. Training comprises on-the-job training within the various divisions and technical services of the Department together with referral of staff to relevant courses operated by the Civil Service Training Centre and other specialised training centres to acquire the requisite skills to improve their performance; (2) A one-day in-house effective writing and numerical skills course was held in 1991; (3) Sixteen clerical assistants attended the effective writing and numerical skills course held in 1991; (4) the training methods of the Department are kept under review with a view to ensuring that they are adequate to meet staff development and customer service needs; (5) The number of staff who attended courses at the Civil Service Training Centre in 1989, 1990 and 1991 was 11, 43 and 30 respectively; and (6) During the years 1990 and 1991 refunds of fees were made as follows:

Course Level	No. of Applications	Percentage Refund
		%
Degree	8	100
Diploma	3	100
Certificate	6	100

Applications for refund of fees are considered on completion of each academic year and in the light of the financial resources available to the Department under its training budget. During 1990 and 1991 it was possible to refund fees in full to those pursuing approved courses. Where funds are limited the Department's policy is to refund 50 per cent of the fees claimed on application and to consider a full or partial refund of the balance at the end of the financial year.