Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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482. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if professional fees are paid by his Department on behalf of employees; if so, the total number involved; and the amount of each fee. [42694/20]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm that certain professional fees are paid by my Department, primarily in instances where such fees are a prerequisite to ongoing qualification to practice in the role.

A key area in this regard is with respect of Veterinary Practitioners employed by my Department, whereby relevant professional fees are paid by my Department to the Veterinary Council of Ireland. 

In 2020, my Department paid fees in respect of 309 Veterinary employees totalling €146,775.

In addition, certain fees for other professional memberships are paid by my Department on behalf of employees.  To date in 2020, 40 membership fees to the value of €11,390.55 were paid and these are detailed in the attached spreadsheet.