Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2021
240. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the right a civil servant has to appeal the decision of the chief medical officer of the occupational health department in particular in circumstances in which the diagnosis and recommendations are in conflict with those of the patient’s own medical advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33034/21]
View answerThe Civil Service Occupational Health service provides advice on work related health issues to HR sections, line management, health & safety officers and employee assistance officers for the Civil Service. There are appeal mechanisms in relation to the medical advice of the Office of the Civil Service Chief Medical Officer (CMO), which incorporates the Civil Service Occupational Health Department, in relation to specific areas. These are the discounting of sick leave, Ill Health Retirement (IHR) and access to Critical Illness Pay (CIP). Where there is any difference of medical opinion between the CMO medical staff and a treating health professional, CMO staff are always available (with consent) to discuss this with the treating health professional.
