Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 270: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of staff who received financial assistance to pursue courses in further or higher education in each of the past five years; the number of such staff who were subsequently re-assigned to duties appropriate to their new qualifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45327/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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During the period in question 245 individuals received financial assistance under the Department's refund of educational fees scheme. This figure does not include a number of agencies who have separate training budgets.

All applications under the refund scheme are considered with reference to the relevance/significance of the course to the applicant's role and to the work of the Department. Where possible, staff with particular skills/qualifications are assigned to positions which maximise the use of their qualifications for the benefit of the Department and the individual concerned. It should be noted that the vast majority of courses undertaken by staff would fall into the categories of either public administration or legal studies. Such courses would have relevance across the Department.