Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2023
210. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the average number of days training per grade, in his Department in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022; how this compares internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14860/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the policy of my Department to provide continuous learning and development opportunities for all staff of the Department. These opportunities range from "on the job" training to attendance at training courses, conferences, internal talks and to participation in formal education. As well as promoting performance and productivity gains, investment in training and development has the benefit of strengthening organisational capacity, enhancing leadership capability and stimulating and encouraging innovation.
Initially, when my Department was established, the Department of Education supported the Learning and Development needs of DFHERIS staff. Data relating to DFHERIS staff was collected as if they were Department of Education staff. During the course of 2022, the Department has developed its own induction programme and a number of initiatives tailored to DFHERIS staff needs alongside with courses provided by OneLearning (the Civil Service training services) and the Department of Education.
In 2022, over 400 training days were delivered to DFHERIS staff (including OneLearning). The Department is currently developing its data collection capacity to facilitate reporting on the nature of the differing Learning and Development events undertaken by staff of the Department.
Finally, the Deputy should note that in 2022, 14 staff availed of funding to undertake third level courses of education leading to an academic qualification in line with the guidelines set out in Department of Finance Circular 23/2007. In general, courses pursued undertaken are at levels 8 and above of the National Qualifications Framework.
