Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 1995

Vol. 457 No. 8

Written Answers. - Investigations of Doctors.

Liz O'Donnell

Ceist:

100 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health the number of doctors which are currently being investigated by each health board; the current status of each case; the nature of the investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16502/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The following table sets out the number of investigations which each health board has indicated it is conducting at present in respect of doctors who are employees of the board concerned.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Medical Council has statutory responsibility which it exercises through its Fitness to Practice Committee to inquire into the conduct of a registered medical practitioner on the grounds of alleged professional misconduct or on the grounds of unfitness to practise by reason of physical or mental disability.

Therefore, where the question of fitness to practise of a registered medical practitioner arises it is statutorily a matter for the Medical Council to investigate rather than for an employing health board. Where allegations of a criminal offence against a registered medical practitioner arise that is a matter for the Garda and the appropriate prosecuting authorities.

Number of investigations being conducted by each health board in respect of doctors who are employees of the health board concerned.

	No.	Nature of Complaint
EHB	0
MHB	0
MWHB	0
NEHB	0
MWHB	0
SEHB	0
SHB	7	(5 complaints concerning communications and 2 complaints concerning alleged lack of courtesy)
WHB	0