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

221. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of officials in his Department that 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. [51363/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department does not pay fees for any staff member in respect of club or sporting and recreational organisation membership.As the Deputy will appreciate the staff of my Department includes key professional, technical and specialist practitioners who underpin our strategic policy role in important economic sectors. In that regard, the Department pays membership fees for key staff to professional bodies that:

1. Are fundamental to facilitating these staff members in carrying out their duties on behalf of the Department and

2. Embrace a continuing education and essential professional development element.

In 2013 fees totalling €3134.20 were paid in respect of 16 professional memberships. Payment of such fees are not included in contracts of employment. Payment of professional fees relates to the conduct of the Department's business

Details of the professional fees paid this year are set out below:

Professional Membership Fees

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

222. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources 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. [51377/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I assume that the Deputy is seeking information on courses of third level study, funded by my Department and pursued by staff outside of working hours. Each year my Department invites staff to make an application for funding within the terms of the Refund of Fees Programme (Post-Entry Education) under Department of Finance Circular 23/07. Applications are considered for approval where the course is relevant to the applicant's role and to the work of their Division and the Department. Funding is allocated on the basis of payment on successful completion of the academic year including any prescribed examinations, verified by the relevant college or institution. The Department makes no payment in respect of qualifications obtained by staff members

The table below sets out details of the annual cost of third level fees refunds under the relevant Circular for 5 years.

Third Level Qualifications

*projected