Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 3

Written Answers. - Health Board Staff.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

50 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the investigations, if any, he has held into reports that a staff member of a hospital in the North-Eastern Health Board area has charged patients for appliances that are free; the outcome of any such investigation; if the Garda has been asked to investigate the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5960/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen): The North-Eastern Health Board has carried out a preliminary investigation of an allegation that a member of staff at one of its hospitals had sought payment from a patient for a special orthopaedic support jacket to which the patient was entitled free of charge. The board has now referred the matter to the Garda for investigation and the employee involved has been placed on leave. I understand that the Garda investigation is continuing. It would not be appropriate for me to comment any further on the case.