Vol. 544 No. 4
201 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is a designated timescale for the completion of investigation of complaints of bullying within the Eastern Regional Health Authority; and if there are designated terms of reference which apply to all such cases within the authority. [29150/01]
202 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself with the procedures of investigation of complaints of bullying within the Eastern Regional Health Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29151/01]
203 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are designated guidelines from his Department for health boards regarding the investigation of allegations of bullying and harassment; and if so, if they have been implemented by health boards. [29152/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 201 to 203, inclusive, together.
There are designated guidelines and timescales for the investigation of allegations of bullying and harassment in the heath service agreed between the Health Service Employers Agency, health service employers and unions. The process includes an informal procedure, a formal procedure and finally an investigation process. The investigation is required to be completed as soon as possible, but not later than four weeks after the receipt of the written complaint, unless there are exceptional circumstances. The investigating team then submits its findings to senior management. If senior management decides, on the basis of the report, that the complaint is well-founded and the alleged bully has a case to answer, the matter may be further progressed through the disciplinary procedure or other appropriate action may be taken.
