Vol. 471 No. 2
37 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for Health the protocols, if any, which have been introduced in hospitals in relation to complaints of sexual impropriety against hospital staff as recommended in the report related to the Drogheda Hospital case in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20471/96]
Limerick East): As I have indicated in previous replies to questions on this issue, I support the recommendation of Dr. Miriam Hederman O'Brien's independent review group that protocols to deal with allegations of sexual abuse by hospital staff be developed on a national basis. The development of such protocols is currently under way in my Department in accordance with the review group's recommendations. My aim is that these national protocols should be completed without delay and made available to all acute hospitals. These protocols can then be tailored as required to meet local circumstances.
