Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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156. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff in her Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff availing of this leave received full pay and benefits during the time; the number that will do so in 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31244/13]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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157. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of her Department who availed of study or training leave in 2012; the average duration of such leave; if all staff availing of this leave received full pay and benefits during the time; the number that will do so in 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31260/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 157 together.

The Department is committed under its Learning and Development Strategy to provide opportunities for the education of its staff. The Department recognises that investing in learning leads to improved performance and productivity, increased employee engagement and better customer service.

In addition to the provision of in-house and externally-sourced training courses, the Department also operates the Refund of Fees scheme to encourage staff to pursue educational achievement outside of normal business hours. The scheme operates within the parameters of Department of Finance Circular 23/07. Staff studying for approved courses under the scheme may apply for study leave (paid and unpaid), subject to the approval of their manager. Paid study leave may be granted up to certain maxima, including:

five days for each year of a third level course;

ten days in respect of the final year only of a third level primary or masters degree;

three days for each year of a second level course, subject to a maximum of ten days overall.

The amount of study leave granted in 2012 and 2013 (to date) in respect of staff in the Department is outlined in the table below. While there may be more applications for study leave later in the year, the vast majority of such leave is taken in the first six months of the year.

The amount of study leave granted in 2012 and 2013 (to date) in respect of staff in the agencies of the Department (i.e. Citizens Information Board, Pensions Board and Office of the Pensions Ombudsman) is outlined in the table below.