Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Can the Taoiseach confirm that the organisational review programme report in relation to the Department of Health and Children indicated, as is reported, that a significant number of staff are currently underworked, while another body of employees within that Department are absolutely overwhelmed with work? Would it not strike him as a serious situation if that actually is the case? It is something that should not be tolerated in any Department let alone one as critical as the Department of Health and Children.

Can the Taoiseach confirm, as is reported, that the particular report concerning that Department finds confusion among staff as to its role and the lack of clarity around who its customers are, coupled with the feeling of being constantly under fire, are factors contributing to poor morale? Can the Taoiseach confirm that this is part of the programme report on the Department? How can it be that there is confusion among staff about the Department's role? This is what the review programme report allegedly states. Can the Taoiseach specify when this issue became known? Did it coincide with the establishment of the HSE? We have not yet seen the report; when will it be published? Does the Taoiseach agree that this confusion must reflect the so-called policy - that is another debate entirely - of the Government and the Department, as espoused-----

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