Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health Board Services.

John McGuinness

Question:

285 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps being taken to resolve the issues relating to laundry services in the group homes within the South-Eastern Health Board; his views on whether qualified staff and nurses should be requested to carry out this function; if there is a health and safety issue involved; if the laundry service should be sub-contracted or if general operatives should be employed to carry out the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11105/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I understand that issues regarding laundry services in the group homes within the South-Eastern Health Board relate to the community psychiatric nurses within the Kilkenny mental health service. This matter is the subject of ongoing discussions with the staff concerned. A health and safety report has been completed and the Carlow-Kilkenny mental health and elderly services of the South-Eastern Health Board are examining through their staff relations procedures how the laundry service should be provided to the group homes.