Protected Disclosures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 April 2018

Thursday, 19 April 2018

Ceisteanna (180)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

180. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 666 of 11 September 2017 and 329 of 27 February 2018, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Irish Prison Service has lodged an appeal with the Labour Relations Commission relative to the decision taken in the case of a person (details supplied); if he or his departmental officials had knowledge of this decision to appeal or were consulted before the appeal was lodged; if the matter will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17286/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

I am advised that the IPS has lodged an appeal to the Labour Court in relation to a decision taken by the Workplace Relations Commission in respect of the named Officer. I am further informed that the decision was taken on the basis of legal advice provided to the Prison Service and that my Department was made aware of this advice. As the matter is currently before the Labour Court it would not be appropriate to comment further on the matter.

As the Deputy is aware, in addition to the proceedings that are now before the Labour Court, my Department has engaged an external legal firm to independently examine other complaints set out by the Officer. This process is the subject of correspondence from the officer's legal representatives which is receiving attention.