Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Complaints to Health Boards.

Seán Haughey

Question:

422 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health if his Department and/or the health boards have procedures and mechanisms in place to allow for an investigation into complaints made regarding the conduct of social workers employed by the health boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [390/94]

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

When a complaint is received by a health board in relation to a social worker's conduct the chief executive officer, in association with the director of community care, will have the employee interviewed as a first step in resolving the matter.

If following the interview there are grounds for concern the individual is removed from duty with pay and a full investigation is initiated by a team appointed by the chief executive officer or programme manager. Depending on the nature of the complaint received my Department's social work adviser may also have an involvement in assisting in the resolution of the matter if required.

On receipt of the team's report the disciplinary procedures as laid down in the Health Act, 1970, are invoked if appropriate.