(1) Where a member of the Fire Service is undertaking a course of training or study on the express directions of the Government and Government is satisfied that attendance at the course is in the public interest, such course is considered as though he or she was on duty.
(2) Where a member of the Fire Service undertakes a course of training or study which is not expressly and directly in the public interest, such a fire officer shall be required to utilise for that purpose the whole of his or her accrued leave and on the expiry of such leave may be granted such extension of leave without pay as may be necessary to enable him or her to complete that course.