Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 27 Nov 2001

Vol. 545 No. 1

Written Answers. - Consultant Appointments.

John McGuinness

Question:

212 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide a comprehensive reply to each question raised during the adjournment debate dealing with a case (details supplied); his views on whether the stand-off between the Irish Medical Council and the chief executive officer of the South Eastern Health Board is unhelpful in the situation; if the position of the South Eastern Health Board and Irish Medical Council will be clarified regarding the receipt of information from the UK council and the supply of that information to the South Eastern Health Board. [29653/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I have been briefed by both the South Eastern Health Board and the medical council in relation to the issues surrounding the appointment, in 2000, of a locum consultant psychiatrist by the South Eastern Health Board. Following these briefings I have decided to appoint an independent person to review the circumstances surrounding the case with a view to establishing whether and how procedures or regulations may be improved. It is the aim of both the health board and medical council to protect patients and to promote confidence in the health service and both bodies are taking steps to ensure that these aims are met.