Tom Clonan (Independent)

Apologies. There is now a pattern of retaliation and reprisal visited upon that team and the most senior of the therapists has had his role severely curtailed. There is this kind of reprisal for people who stand up to do the right thing.We are well aware of this pattern of reprisal and retaliation in the public service. That has a further danger because it sends a message to other professionals in the area that if they raise a concern, they are likely to be subject to hostile scrutiny. It really compounds what is already a toxic dynamic and makes it much worse. I hope that the Minister could intervene to make sure that person is restored immediately to their full duties and an assertion that the person could never promoted also needs to be clarified and withdrawn. This is one of the most qualified and experienced clinicians in their area. To be told they would never be promoted, having raised a concern around a risk of sexual abuse to children beggars belief. We wanted the Minister of State to make a statement on the matter and indicate what action can be taken.