Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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295. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff in his 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [31245/13]

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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296. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of staff in organisations or agencies under the aegis of his 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [31261/13]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 295 and 296 together.

The number of staff in my Department who availed of study leave in 2012 was 7.  The average duration of such leave availed of in 2012 was 4.3 days per staff member.  The number of staff in my Department who have availed of or applied to avail of study leave in 2013 to date is 6.  Under Circular 23 of 2007 - Post-Entry Education - Refund of Fees, Study Leave and Examination Leave , all the above receive full pay and entitlement while on paid study leave.

The Department provides this support as part of its commitment towards the lifelong learning of staff and as a support to employees who wish to participate, in their own time, in relevant courses of study throughout their working careers.  Priority is given to courses that management consider directly relevant to the work of the Department or to the professional development of the officer concerned.

The information requested by the Deputy pertaining to the agencies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for said agencies.  I have asked that they provide the Deputy with the information requested.  If you do not receive a reply from the agencies or organisations within  within 10 working days please advise my private office.