I propose to take Questions Nos. 486 and 487 together.
In the academic year 2004 to 2005, 25 applications for refunds of fees were made by staff in my Department in respect of courses being undertaken at night or evenings, of which, 24 were approved. Of the 24, one applicant did not pursue the course.
The value of refunds to be made by my Department in 2005 is estimated at approximately €30,000. This represents approximately 8.5% of my Department's estimated total training expenditure for the year. Lists of courses for which refunds of fees were made in the past three academic years are set out as follows:
2002-2003
National Certificate in History
Foundation Certificate in Marketing
Accuracy in Irish language
Diploma in Human Resource Management
BA in Public Administration
Genealogy course in UCD
ACCA Taxation Course
Field Ecology
European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
2003-2004
MSc in Economic Policy Studies
Diploma in Policy Analysis
BA in Humanities
Marketing Institute of Ireland, a brand management course
National Certificate in History (2nd Year)
Diploma course in Irish
MA in Archaeology and Heritage
BA in History
Certificate in Change Management
ACCA Taxation Course
Degree in Public Management
Masters in Museum Studies
2004-2005
PhD-MLit
MSc in Economic Policy Studies
BA in Humanities
ECDL
Higher Diploma in Public Management
MSc in Training and Performance
Certificate in Public Management
Diploma in Modern Irish Translation
Certificate in Management Development
MA in Archaeology and Heritage
Introduction to Psychology
Diploma in Irish
Certificate in Managing Change
Diploma in Genealogy and Family History
BSc in Information Technology
Keyboard Skills
In addition to the above, my Department provides training each year on a range of topics aimed at addressing skills deficits identified mainly through the operation of the performance management and development system. These include management, IT, quality customer service, health and safety and induction training.