Health Service Staff.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2009

Tuesday, 3 March 2009

Ceisteanna (174)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

204 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if she has received a report from the Health Service Executive on the dispute at Portiuncula Hospital, County Galway; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this dispute arises from concerns among staff about health and safety and communications issues and conditions of employment, and that there are grounds for the belief that the HSE and senior hospital management have compounded the difficulties by their approach to this dispute; if she will intervene to ensure that the five assistant directors of nursing, previously suspended, be returned to work to their original positions without conditions and with management agreeing to attend the Labour Relations Commission; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8784/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

The issue raised by the Deputy relates to an internal operational matter in Portiuncula Hospital which is being managed by the HSE. However, my Department has been informed by the HSE that concerns were raised by senior nurse management in relation to communication, morale and working relations, and the hospital management engaged a third party to undertake a review which would include recommendations as appropriate. This approach was agreed with the Irish Nurse's Organisation (INO) who advised their members to participate in the process.

This process involved an independent review of the HSE Disciplinary Procedure in this case, with recommendations for future situations and that an agreed mediator would be appointed to manage an orderly return to work for those Assistant Directors of Nursing (ADoN's) involved. Mediation hearings were held on 9th December 2008 and 12th January 2009. They were organised by the Health Service Executive — Employers Agency (HSEEA), but have not proved successful to date. The current position is that HSE Management has contacted the INO and confirmed its intention to attend conciliation with a view to securing an acceptable accommodation which will allow for the orderly return to work of the five ADoNs.