Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The information requested by the Deputy is provided in the following table.

Expenditure on Third Level Courses and Training Programmes Sept 2013 to June 2014

Refunds of fees arise in cases where staff of the Department undertake qualifying third-level courses in their own time and receive financial assistance under a scheme sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade strongly encourages and supports its staff in this regard, particularly where courses are directly relevant to the work of the Department.

Given the nature of diplomatic service, my Department also makes a significant investment in language tuition. Other courses and training programmes regularly delivered include a comprehensive training programme for those members of my Department taking up foreign postings, with modules on trade promotion, economic themes, provision of consular services, personal safety, public diplomacy and human rights. Training is also routinely provided for staff in key areas such as management development, performance management, leadership, positive working environment, macroeconomics, communication skills, social media and customer service. In-house expertise is used wherever possible.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Expenditure on Training & Development in my Department in 2013 was €513,431. Based on that figure, the percentage reductions specified by the Deputy would result in the following outcomes: