Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

1493 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) who was given verbal and written warnings, and who had made a complaint over four months previously, followed by a request for an inquiry in accordance with the Civil Service code on a positive working environment; his views on whether, in such a case, no action of this nature should be taken until an inspector has investigated the case and made a report; if he will intervene to ensure that a full investigation of the circumstances of this case are examined by an inspector independent of Dúchas without further delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16081/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen):

There are two separate and independent processes involved in this case. The first involved the convening by local management of a disciplinary hearing to deal with certain aspects of the employee's work performance. The hearing itself, and the subsequent comprehensive appeal, were both conducted in accordance with normal procedures and the outcome has been conveyed to the employee and his trade union representative. The second process, which involves a complaint by the employee, will be investigated separately under the Civil Service Code A Positive Working Environment by an officer of the Department from a division other than Dúchas.