Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 308: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of civil servants in his Department who have attended courses on stress management in the workplace between 2005 and 2007; if stress reduction procedures have been put in place arising from attendance at such courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10599/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Since 2005 thirty nine officers from my Department have attended courses in stress management, which were funded from the Department's training budget. The overall objective of the courses selected is to eliminate stress from all aspects of the participants' life by applying simple and practical techniques. My Department is vigilant and reacts proactively in situations where there is any indication of stress, and appropriate support is offered through stress management programmes and ongoing confidential support through our employee assistance service. Also, on an annual basis, the Health & Safety Unit in my Department organises a two- week event for staff with information sessions and health checks focussing on all elements of Health and Safety, including protecting mental health, and stress management.