Health Service Staff.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2005

Tuesday, 24 May 2005

Questions (151)

Michael Ring

Question:

160 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is right for invasive and personal questions to be asked of persons applying for non-medical positions in the Health Service Executive; if this type of form is necessary for the type of position for which they are applying; the number of persons required to draft this pre-employment health questionnaire form; the number of person who have to process this form before an applicant is given a job; and if it is necessary for the HSE to be able to access a person’s private health file at any time. [17149/05]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, HSE, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for human resource management and I would expect the HSE to adhere to good practice in appropriate pre-employment health screening in the interest of staff and patients.

As this is a matter for the HSE, my Department has requested the national director of human resources in the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in regard to the issues raised.