Ambulance Service Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 February 2014

Thursday, 13 February 2014

Questions (74)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

74. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate reports received by this Deputy that three relatives of the chief ambulance officer national ambulance service have recently been employed in the positions of ambulance control supervisor, acting team leader and ambulance controller, following interviews by a panel which included the chief ambulance officer; if these reports are confirmed if such recruitment practices are deemed acceptable in the public service and might also jeopardise health and safety considerations which should apply to the ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6956/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. Since 1st April 2005, recruitment for appointments to positions in the HSE is subject to the provisions of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004 (the Act) and is regulated by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA.). Appointments to positions in the Health Service Executive, apart from those positions which are subject to the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act 1926, are subject to the Codes of Practice published by the CPSA. The Codes of Practice set out how the core of principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness are to be applied on a principle basis.