Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2013
76. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of staff in his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff availing of this leave received full pay and benefits during the time; the number that will do so in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31239/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra77. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of his Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff availing of this leave received full pay and benefits during the time; the number that will do so in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31255/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 77 together.
The information requested by the Deputy for 2012 is set out in the table following. Normal salary was paid in all cases.
|
No. of staff who availed of Study & Exam Leave in 2012 |
Average duration of Study & Exam Leave in 2012 |
|
44 |
6.07 days |
Based on the number of applications received in the year to date it is expected that the figures for 2013 will be broadly similar to those for last year. Study and exam leave normally arise in cases where staff of the Department undertake qualifying third level courses in their own time and receive financial assistance under a refund of fees scheme sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly encourages and supports its staff in continuing their professional development where the courses are relevant to the work of the Department. There are no State Agencies under the aegis of my Department.
