Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 4

Written Answers. - Industrial Relations.

Liz McManus

Question:

330 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the potentially serious industrial relations situation that has developed within St. Mary's Hospital, Phoenix Park; the Meath Hospital and Bellevilla Nursing Home, South Circular Road, Dublin, as a result of the loss of 40 jobs following a decision to award the contract for cleaning services to a new company (details supplied); if his attention has further been drawn to concerns that newly engaged contract cleaning staff have been instructed to clean areas affected by spillage of body fluids, discarded sharps and so on leading to a potential health risk for those involved; the steps he intends to take arising from these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24817/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Responsibility for the issues raised by the Deputy rests, in the first instance, with the Eastern Regional Health Authority.

Health agencies, as is the case for all employers, have legal responsibility for the maintenance of a safe workplace environment. Arrangements for dealing with potentially hazardous materials are of particular importance.

My Department has therefore requested the chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to investigate the issues raised by the Deputy and reply to her directly.