asked the Minister for the Public Service if consideration will be given to the setting up of an independent body charged with the task of investigating reported malpractices in public service professions, such as the legal profession and others; such a body to be analogous to the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, set up by statute in 1961, and whose contribution in the area of industry has been extremely significant; and if he agrees that it would be timely to consider the setting up of an "Institute for Professional Research, Practice and Standards".
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Professional Malpractices Investigations.
21.
My responsibilities relate to the "public service" as defined in the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 1973. In very broad terms, the "public service" for this purpose comprises the civil service and various statutory bodies. I have no responsibilities in regard to the practices of the legal or other professions.
Does the Minister, on behalf of the Government, share the general concern of many people about the practices referred to in the question? Will the Minister consider recommending to his colleagues the setting up of the kind of institution outlined in the question?
It is a matter for each Minister, if he feels it necessary concerning any profession.
I should like to know if the Minister and his Department have any interest in the concern implicit in this question?
I have no responsibility for the matter.
And not much interest either, I suggest.
In view of the Minister's reply I should like to know if he has any responsibility for any action that, for example, a doctor or an architect in the public service may take?
That is a separate question.
My understanding is that the Minister stated that he had no responsibility for any action taken by these professional people. I want the Minister to clarify that situation. Does he have any responsibility for the actions a publicly employed doctor, architect, accountant or any such professional may take?
All public servants, including professionals, are covered by the Civil Service Regulation Acts, 1956 and 1958. Those Acts provide for the disciplining and control of civil servants.
Obviously, a solicitor is governed by the Incorporated Law Society and a doctor by the Medical Council but I should like to know if professionals who do not have such professional institutions or bodies with disciplinary codes are subject to the control of the Minister as distinct from the traditional civil servants?
They are all covered by the Acts I referred to.
Has the Minister any other role in regard to the carrying out of their professional activities?
They are covered under those Acts.