Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the number of employees for which he has paid fees to attend the King's Inns for the legal diploma course and the barrister at law course during each of the past five years. [38898/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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My Department is committed to promoting a culture of continuous learning and development and therefore offers financial assistance to staff pursuing a variety of courses under its refund of educational fees scheme. The vast majority of courses undertaken would fall into the categories of either public administration or legal studies. Such courses would have relevance across the Department. During the period in question, nine individuals received funding to attend the courses at Kings Inns identified by the Deputy. Five individuals received funding for the Diploma in Legal Studies and seven individuals received funding for the Barrister at Law Course (three of these had previously completed the Diploma in Legal Studies).

Constraints on expenditure have, however, had an impact on my Department's budget for training and development. Personal development takes place in a range of settings, both during and outside working hours and staff will continue to be supported in relevant learning activity that takes place outside of working hours through the refund of fees scheme. The Deputy will appreciate that, in light of diminished resources, it is no longer possible to support persons to the same number or at the same level of support as in previous years .

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 292: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the amount spent on the tendering process and other related matters to the capital project of constructing a new laboratory in Marino, Dublin. [38899/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The capital project referred to by the Deputy represents a joint venture between my Department and Dublin City Council to provide a facility for the Office of the State Pathologist and the Dublin City Coroner's Office at Marino, Dublin 3. Funding is being provided by my Department and Dublin City Council on a two-thirds to one-third basis, respectively. The site has also been provided by Dublin City Council free of charge. The project was procured by Dublin City Council who are responsible for the tendering process and related matters. However, thus far, my Department has contributed approximately €2.8 million towards the tendering, design and build (including professional fees) of the project.