I propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.
In response to the Deputy’s questions, the following table outlines the number of staff within my Department and those under my aegis who availed of study or training leave in 2012 and the estimated number in 2013:
Number of staff availing of Study/Training Leave
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Department / Office
|
2012
Number of Staff
|
2012
Average Duration
(days)
|
2013
Number of staff (Estimate)
|
Department of Public Expenditure and Reform*
|
10
|
4
|
20
|
Ombudsman **
|
13
|
13
|
6
|
Public Appointments Service
|
9
|
3
|
4
|
State Laboratory
|
5
|
2.8
|
5
|
Valuation Office
|
4
|
4
|
5
|
Office of Public Works
|
17
|
6
|
14
|
Total
|
58
|
6.3
|
54
|
* In addition to the study leave mentioned, 59 members of staff pursued formal training courses in 2012 and the respective figure to date for 2013 is 163. Depending on scope and content, formal training courses can vary in length from a set number of hours to a specified number of days.
** One staff member took 35 unpaid study leave days in 2012.
All staff received full pay and benefits and, at this time, I am not aware of any further applications for study, exam or training days for the remainder of 2013.