Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

300. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if professional fees are paid by her Department on behalf of employees; if so, the total number involved; and the amount of each fee. [42697/20]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Department of Finance Circular 47/01 provides for the reimbursement, by Government Departments, of professional membership fees paid by staff.

The Circular provides for reimbursement of such fees where the continued membership of professional bodies or associations is necessary for the performance of an officer’s official duties, and where the benefits accruing to the Department as a consequence of membership of such bodies or associations is significant.

In 2019, the full year for which latest figures are available, a total of €48,532.17 was paid in respect of memberships of relevant bodies/associations for 186 staff of my Department.

In 2020 to date, a total of €49,606.21 has been paid in respect of memberships of relevant bodies/associations for 186 staff of my Department.

Details of these payments are set out in the attached table.