Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 February 2016
344. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the terms of reference of the investigation that the Health Service Executive commissioned into staff conduct issues, arising from the Health Information Quality Authority report into the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise in County Laois; the status of this investigation; and when both parts of it will be finalised. [4156/16]
View answerThe HIQA Report into Portlaoise Hospital raises serious questions and issues relating to the appropriateness and effectiveness of managerial actions. The HSE committed to an investigation to be conducted by an independent expert from overseas in accordance with the HSE's own disciplinary process. The purpose of this undertaking as explained by the HSE publically and to the Oireachtas was to ensure that staff were accountable for their actions and, if judged by fair procedures to have failed in their responsibilities, to provide a basis for disciplinary action. I am concerned at the length of time it is taking to complete this investigation and my Department is in correspondence with the HSE on this matter.
As this is a service matter I have also referred this PQ to the HSE for necessary attention.
