Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2023
183. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education the average number of days training per grade, in her Department in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022; how this compares internationally; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14851/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the policy of my Department to provide ongoing learning and development opportunities for staff in the Department. I wish to advise the Deputy that the specific information requested by him on the average number of training days per grade in the years in question is not readily available.
My Department provides a range of training opportunities to staff, which includes Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for members of the Inspectorate, the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and other professional and technical staff.
Targeted training is also provided in priority areas such as Project Management and Business Process Improvement, management and leadership development as well as training to address ongoing business needs such as financial management training, IT training/ technical training for IT specialist staff, Health and Safety training and Irish Language training.
Staff of my Department also avail of training through a shared model for the design and delivery of Learning and Development for the Civil Service, OneLearning. OneLearning operates under the auspices of the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. OneLearning has developed a suite of learning programmes for Civil Servants in key business areas.
Staff of the Department who undertake courses in higher or further education, primarily in their own time, which support and enhance their knowledge and skills, can apply for financial support in paying the relevant fees for these courses, under the terms of the relevant Civil Service circulars.
