Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 May 2017
141. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Protection the spend by his Department on training programmes catering for departmental staff and run by external organisations in 2016; the types of training provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22439/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department’s spend on staff training programmes run by external organisations amounted to €603,908 in 2016.
Among the training included in this expenditure were leadership and management development programmes, Irish language training, policy and legislative development, information technology and systems courses, public procurement, mental health awareness, and train the trainer programmes.
In addition, the Department also operates the Refund of Fees scheme to encourage staff to pursue higher educational achievement outside of normal business hours. The scheme operates within the parameters of Department of Finance Circular 23/07. In 2016, approximately €190,000 was spent on the Refund of Fees scheme.
In addition to these external training supports, a comprehensive suite of training - the One DSP Learning and Development Programme - is delivered by Departmental training staff to colleagues in frontline roles. The Department has partnered with the National College of Ireland to place this curriculum on the National Framework of Qualifications.
