James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 132: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if rules and regulations with regard to further study for staff in Civil Service positions, particularly in regard to payment of fees and study leave are common to all Departments, or if regulations that are applicable to an individual Department only, which would not allow for potential movement to a different section, or the future need for particular knowledge or skills, are permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14665/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The general instructions covering refund of fees, study leave and examination leave for civil servants are set out in Circular 23/07.

The circular sets out the arrangements to facilitate Departments/Offices in building appropriate skill and expertise levels and in supporting officers' efforts in the area of self-development and life-long learning. The support provided for further study is directed at enhancing workplace performance in the Civil Service and assisting officers to achieve improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of public service delivery.

Consistent with Civil Service strategic management objectives, the approach of the circular is to maximise the discretion available to Departments/Offices in addressing post-entry education matters in ways that are most relevant to their own areas of responsibility. In using this discretion, the overall goal of Departments/Offices should be to provide as much support as possible for relevant staff education and development, subject to the general conditions governing the refund of fees, study leave and examination leave set out in this circular.

A copy of the circular is available on www.personnelcode.gov.ie as is the Staff Information Booklet — Terms and Conditions of Employment in the Irish Civil Service.