Hospital Staff Issues

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

Questions (31, 48)

John Halligan

Question:

31. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 530 of 11 December 2012, if he is satisfied that he has no obligation to ensure detailed consultation and full engagement between the Health Service Executive, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association and the Irish Medical Organisation on issues that impact on their members; if he does have an obligation in this regard if has he fulfilled this obligation with regards to proposed new access protocols for 16 and 17 year olds to mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57097/12]

View answer

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

48. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 530 of 11 December 2012, if he is satisfied that he has no obligation to ensure detailed consultation and full engagement between the Health Service Executive, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association and the Irish Medical Organisation in issues that impact on their members; if he does have an obligation in this regard if has he fulfilled this obligation with regards to proposed new access protocols for 16 and 17 year olds to mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57031/12]

View answer

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31 and 48 together.

The issues raised by the Deputies are matters in relation to which the HSE has specific statutory obligations. The HSE is obliged under the Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act, 2006, to engage with the trade unions in relevant circumstances. In addition, under the terms of the Public Service Agreement, the HSE has a responsibility to ensure that engagement with trade unions takes place, to take account of staff concerns and rights, in relation to organisational and service changes. I have asked the Executive to reply directly to the Deputies concerning consultation and engagement with the Irish Hospital Consultants Association and the Irish Medical Organisation in relation to the expansion of mental health services for 16 and 17 year olds.