I can inform the Deputy that my Department provides funding to the following three courses at third level institutions:
1 — Course Title — Diploma in Justice Studies
This is a learning initiative developed by the Department for its staff in conjunction with the Institute of Public Administration (IPA).
National Qualification Framework Level
This is not accredited. However, with the completion of an additional bridging course in economics, graduates can gain entry into the second year of a degree course in Public Administration.
Level of Funding
The cost to the Department for 2010/2011 was approximately €38,000. 59 staff participated in the course for the academic year 2010/2011. A total of 359 staff have now completed the course since it commenced in 2005.
Future Plans
The programme offers benefits to both the individual staff members and the organisation. Subject to availability of funds and sufficient demand it will continue to run.
2 — Course Title — Masters of Social Science (Social Work) Degree/Graduate Diploma in Applied Social Studies
This is a part-time course run by University College Dublin, for 40 Probation Officers (funding through the Probation Service).
National Qualification Framework Level
Level 9 — Approved qualification required for registration with the Social Workers Registration Board in exercise of powers conferred on it by section 31 of the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005.
Level of Funding
Academic year 2010/2011 — €409,000 (including student levies).
Future Plans
It is estimated that the funding for 2011/2012 will be similar to 2010/2011 but that there will be a reduction for 2012/2013 as the first phase of the programme will have been completed. The full programme will be completed in academic year 2013/2014.
3 — Course Title — Higher Certificate in Custodial Care (HCCC)
This course is run by Sligo Institute of Technology (funded by the Irish Prison Service).
National Qualification Framework Level
Level 6 — This course is obligatory for all Recruit Prison Officers who join the Irish Prison Service and is not open to the wider public.
Level of Funding
In 2011, based on current level of staffing, the level of funding of the course will amount to €649,000. In 2011, 216 staff are participating in this course. Subject to no further staff coming on stream, the level of funding for 2012 is anticipated to be €189,000.
Future Plans
Due to the moratorium on public sector recruitment, there is no authorisation to recruit Prison Officers and therefore I am not in a position to state if there will be expenditure in this area in 2013.
The Deputy may also wish to note that Members of An Garda Síochána who successfully complete the HETAC accredited 2-year Student/Probationer Education Programme in the Garda College are awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Level 7) in Police Studies. A Bachelor of Science in Police Leadership (Level 8) is also awarded to members who successfully complete a further three year programme of study. Funding for the completion of these courses is provided by the Garda Vote.