Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The intention is that it is dealt with in an efficient manner, but I reassure Deputy Ryan that in the first instance proper training will always be given and there will be proper supervision. In all cases in this Department, there is a constant review of how things operate. This will be a benefit. The focus is on directly recruiting nurses with experience in the field of occupational health, or who are in possession of an occupational health qualification. Many of the referrals are in that area. No disrespect to doctors on that, but in some cases nurses working in that sector would be far more experienced than a GP in a particular service. They will be recruited directly to the Department. We are not operating through agencies, so they will be employees of the Department of Social Protection, with the proper supervision, training and supports required and with the ongoing review of case files, where there is a continuity of decisions. In all cases, it is not the occupational nurse who will make the decision, it is the deciding officer, taking it from the opinion of the assessor, whether they are a medical doctor or an occupational nurse.