Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that public servants are encouraged to advance their careers through commitment to a programme of continuing professional development in view of the changes and reforms that the Croke Park agreement will involve for the public sector; his views on whether such a continuing professional development scheme will be beneficial in view of the need to develop specialist skills within the public sector and in view of the widespread development of CPD across a range of employments in the State aimed at enhancing performance, service delivery and effectiveness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30432/10]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Finance the measures and initiatives he will be taking in view of the agreement to implement the Croke Park agreement to ensure that public servants are equipped with the skills and perspectives through training and upskilling to adapt to the requirements of the public service reform programme; if he is allocating a specific budget to achieve this objective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30430/10]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 126 together.

The Government is committed to the ongoing training, upskilling and development of the staff of the Public Service to ensure that the changes envisaged not only by the Croke Park Agreement but also the Transforming Public Service agenda are implemented. This commitment is part of its long term policy of supporting the development of all staff, across the Public Service with a view to enhancing the overall level of core workplace skills and in turn the performance of organisations. Specific training and development needs are generally advised in the first instance within a performance management context, such as the Performance Management & Development System in the Civil Service and Local Authorities. Training and development needs that are identified can be addressed in a number of ways such as on-the-job training, coaching, targeted training courses using internal and external providers and self managed learning.

Training and development needs will vary across the Public Service depending on the particular needs of different sectors. Specific budgets are provided depending on the sector. For example, within the Civil Service 4% of salaries is devoted to learning and development. Existing training programmes are currently being refined and developed. I am particularly keen to advance continuing training and upskilling within the Civil Service. I recently announced the establishment of the Senior Public Service which is to be commenced in the Civil Service before extending to the wider Public Service. I can confirm to the Deputy that the Senior Service will involve a developmental as well as mobility element. Achieving improved performance of individuals across the Public Service through appropriate relevant training and development has always been, and will continue to be, an integral element of ensuring the effectiveness and ongoing improvement of the delivery of services to the taxpayer.