Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 5

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

John McGuinness

Question:

385 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the matter of concern raised in Parliamentary Question No 1493 of 9 October 2002, namely, that the warning and the disciplinary hearing was held after the person has made a complaint, which could lead to the conclusion that the person was being intimidated; his further views on whether actions of this nature could be seen in this light and should be deferred until after an investigation has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19026/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

As indicated in reply to Question No. 1493 of 9 October 2002, there are two separate and independent processes involved in this case. The Civil Service code, A Positive Working Environment, which has been invoked by the employee does not preclude the concurrent use by management of appropriate processes for dealing with aspects of an employee's work performance. Furthermore, it is open to the employee's union to refer the outcome of the disciplinary hearing to a third party which in this type of case would be to a rights commissioner, and the union in this case has indicated that it may do so. I am satisfied the processes involved are adequate to deal fairly with all relevant aspects of this case.