Joe Carey
Ceist:804. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Education if she will respond to a query (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41942/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 September 2022
Ceisteanna (804)
Freagraí scríofa
An Occupational Health Strategy is in place as a supportive resource for teachers. The aim of this strategy is to promote the health of teachers in the workplace, with a focus primarily on prevention rather than cure. The Occupational Health Strategy comprises the Employee Assistance Service and the Occupational Health Service (OHS).
The OHS is in place to provide employers with occupational health advice in relation to teachers’ fitness for work. It incorporates pre-employment health assessments, sickness absence referrals, assessments of medical fitness for work and ill health retirement assessments. Information on accessing the services of the OHS is available in the Employers Procedures Manual which is located at Circular 0054/2019 Leave Schemes for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools.
The employer has a duty under Section 8 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to “ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of his or her employees”. The OHS is in place to assist the employer in carrying out this duty.
The OHS provider, contracted by the Department, is the sole recognised provider of independent medical advice for teachers and employers. It is a requirement of the Sick Leave Scheme that all employers and teachers abide by the OHS medical assessment.
The OHS, contracted by the Department, was procured in line with public procurement guidelines. The current OHS provider is Medmark Occupational Healthcare Ltd.
Where there is a difference of medical opinion between the OHS and the treating Doctor/Consultant on a teacher’s medical fitness for work, the OHS will consult with the treating Doctor/Consultant before providing final advice to the employer. If there is a specific need for an independent medical assessment, this can be facilitated through the OHS.
There are specific appeal processes in place in relation to Critical Illness Provisions and ill Health Retirement. These processes are detailed in Circular 0054/2019 Leave Schemes for Registered Teachers employed in Recognised Primary and Post Primary Schools and Retirement on Medical Grounds - Teachers and non-teaching staff.