Training costs for the Department of Agriculture totalled €1,065,633 in 2017. Over €320,000 was spent on soft skills, and health and safety training cost over €38,000.

Costs incidental to training such as room hire and the purchase of refreshments such as tea and coffee are also included in the figures.

“The Funding of Academic Fees Programme involves the provision of funding for staff to pursue academic courses relevant to their employment in the Civil Service,” Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said in response to a parliamentary question from Mattie McGrath.

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€7.8m spent by the Department on travel in 2017