Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 December 2013
200. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the number of officials in his Department that are receiving the cost of club membership fees, including sports clubs and professional bodies, as part of their contract of employment; the total cost per year to his Department of paying these fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51361/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn supporting Continuing Professional Development my Department recognises the value of membership of professional bodies in the context of keeping pace with the latest professional standards and practices. Accordingly, where such membership is necessary for the performance of official duties or is otherwise beneficial to the work of my Department, through access to research papers or training for example, such membership fees are reimbursed to officials.
The number of officials and the cost of such reimbursements for my Department in 2012 were 32 and €8,297 respectively. The corresponding figures for 2013 to date are 30 and €8,018, respectively.
My Department does not incur any costs in relation to sports or other club membership fees.
