Vol. 469 No. 3
61 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health the number of allegations which have been received by the health board regarding sexual misconduct by a consultant (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17530/96]
Limerick East): I am informed by the North-Eastern Health Board that it has received a total of 34 signed formal complaints relating to sexual misconduct by a former consultant at the International Missionary Training Hospital. All of these complaints have been forwarded to the Garda.
62 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health the progress, if any, which has been made in drawing up written Protocols for dealing with allegations of sex abuse by members of staff in hospitals, as recommended by an independent review group chaired by a person (details supplied) in June 1996; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17531/96]
Limerick East): As I indicated in my reply to questions on this issue on 2 July 1996, I support the recommendation of Dr. Miriam Hederman O'Brien's Independent Review Group that Protocols to deal with allegations of sexual abuse by hospital staff be developed on a national basis.
The development of such Protocols is currently under way in my Department in accordance with the review group's recommendations. My aim is that these national Protocols should be completed without delay and made available to all acute hospitals. These Protocols can then be tailored as required to meet local circumstances.
