Written answers

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

Departmental Expenditure

Photo of Terence FlanaganTerence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

126. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the number of officials in his Department who are receiving the cost of club membership fees, including sports clubs and professional bodies, as part of their contract of employment; the total cost per year to his Department of paying these fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51370/13]

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The payment of fees for membership of professional bodies for staff in my Department are in accordance with Department of Finance Circular 23/2007: Post-Entry Education – Refund of Fees, Study Leave and Examination Leave and Department of Finance Circular 47/2001 Reimbursement of Professional Membership Fees. The provision of Section 7 of the Finance Act 2011 applies to such payments.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department was established in July 2011 and therefore, the details set out below are from that date. No club or sports club membership fees are paid for staff in my Department.

YearNumbers of Staff Total Cost of Professional Fees Paid or Reimbursed
201114€5,037.09
201224€8,194.24
201328€9,192.22

Photo of Terence FlanaganTerence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

127. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department is paying for any of its employees to receive third-level qualifications; if so, the annual cost for each of the past five years; if the employee will receive a financial bonus as a result of receiving this qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51384/13]

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The arrangements governing Refund of Fees in respect of further education including third level education are set out in Department of Finance Circular 23/2007: Post-Entry Education – Refund of Fees, Study Leave and Examination Leave. The purpose of the Circular is to facilitate Departments in building appropriate skill and expertise by supporting employees’ efforts in self-development and life-long learning.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department was established in July 2011 and therefore, the details provided below are from that date, and are in respect of each academic year. Upon completing academic qualifications, staff do not receive a financial bonus.

Academic YearNumber of Staff ParticipatingTotal Cost
2011/1210€42,118
2012/1315€61,723
2013/1442€162,055

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.