Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have no doubt that the occupational health people in the HSE believe this to be genuine and that the witnesses are offering a supporting role. HSE staff interface daily with many different relevant people, including managers. There is a vertical structure of management and there is local HR. Staff repeatedly tell me that even among more senior colleagues in the hospital system, it is not always understood, which is a pity, and where it is understood, it is not believed in all instances, which is frustrating. Sometimes they feel they are being put out there as someone who is just unwilling to work or being awkward, tricky or lazy. These are words that have been used to me.

To use an example from a totally different realm, in An Garda Síochána if people are injured at work, the organisation finds a role for them. They are brought back to work as quickly as they are able, but they may not be back on the front line, on the beat, so to speak. Will the HSE outline what measures it has taken, especially in the context of nursing roles that are demanding. Nurses are required to be on their feet all day. Has the HSE looked at any new roles in which people could carry out nursing duties in a less intensive way in order that they could be back in the work environment? Has it looked at blended work options?