Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 819: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government 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. [29439/05]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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My Department does not operate a formal system of exemption from duties in relation to any of its staff. Its published human resources strategy seeks to promote a positive working environment based on the equal treatment of all staff while respecting their individual differences and needs. The strategy aims also to foster teamwork and collaboration and to support the achievement of work-life balance for staff. The overall objective is to develop the Department as a responsive, capable and flexible organisation in line with good human resource practice. My Department works in partnership with unions and staff to give implement these provisions of its human resources strategy and is satisfied with the effective working arrangements which these provide.