Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 587: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of staff in each general service and Department grade in his Department who have been exempt for a period in excess of six months from attending meetings, dealing with correspondence, dealing with telephone queries, home or foreign travel, using computers or other duties by virtue of a medical certificate; if such long-term exemptions from normal duties are fair to other staff who must pick up the extra work; if they provide the taxpayer with good value for money; if such exemptions or certificates have been reviewed by the chief medical officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29433/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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One member of staff is currently on restricted duties owing to a medical condition. That officer's condition is reviewed by the chief medical officer on a quarterly basis. My Department treats each staff member's health with the utmost care and understanding. When such cases arise, each case is treated individually. Any individual absent owing to a prolonged certified medical absence is still a member of the Department and is, therefore, treated in a just and fair manner.