Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 6

Written Answers. - Codes of Conduct for Health Boards.

Michael Bell

Question:

98 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health if, having regard to the press release of 11 March 1992 issued by the Minister for Finance relating to guidelines for semi-State bodies, and the fact that the Official Secrets Act applies to all citizens of the State, he will outline whether there is in existence codes of conduct or legislative provisions in relation to the activities of health board officials and members of health boards; if so, if he will outline (1) the essential matters contained therein (2) the responsibilities of health board officials and members of health boards acting on boards, authorities or companies established under statute or the Companies Acts and (3) the date they were last updated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

In October, 1991, the then Minister for Health wrote to the Chairman of each health board to draw their attention to the Government's concern to ensure that the highest standards of personal integrity were being applied by health board members and staff. In this context, each health board was asked to provide details regarding the code of conduct in place in that organisation. The responses from health boards indicate that where a formal comprehensive written code of conduct does not already exist, health boards are guided by similar provisions contained in a variety of documents such as the Health Act, 1970 and boards' Standing Orders. These cover areas such as conflicts of interest and the placing of contracts which the board proposes to make.

During the course of last year, a draft professional code of conduct was drawn up by Chief Executive Officers of health boards which has formed the basis of discussions between health boards, the Local Government Staff Negotiations Board and the trade unions concerned. I understand that, following these discussions, this document will issue to each current health board employee to note its content. Future employees will be required to sign the document. While this document has already issued to staff in the Eastern Health Board, I understand that certain trade unions require clarification of a number of points before the document will issue in other health board areas.

My Department has recently issued a comprehensive Draft of Standard Accounting Policies for health boards and these policies will be adopted, subject to such changes as may be made following consultation with the health boards. In addition, the guidelines on codes of conduct mentioned in the Deputy's question will shortly issue to all boards under the aegis of my Department, including health boards. I would like to emphasise that these measures do not imply any dissatisfaction on my part regarding the operation of health boards, the members and employees of whom I acknowledge as being dedicated and public-spirited in the discharge of their duties.