Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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128. To ask the Minister for Health if there is a cost-benefit analysis of overseas training and development courses provided to staff of his Department and the Health Service Executive, and funded by the State, for the years 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30393/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The only courses approved in 2011 and 2012 were relatively short-term intensive and low cost relative to benefit and therefore did not require a formal cost-benefit analysis.

It is essential that senior Officials in my Department take part in training courses and programmes so they can manage more effectively the numerous challenges which face my Department and our Health System now and into the future. Senior managers who attend such programmes are positioned in important areas where it is necessary to be equipped with the skills and knowledge required for high level leadership, negotiation, policy making and decision making. This modest investment pays dividends in the medium and long term, with the main beneficiary being our Health System.

The Health Service Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.