Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the steps including disciplinary steps, that can be taken if a member of staff at a rehabilitation unit is not willing or has not fulfilled his or her role as outlined in a patient's care plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20552/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Almost 130,000 people work full-time or part-time in our public health services. It is a matter for the Health Service Executive to manage its human resources to best meet the requirements of its Annual Service Plan for the delivery of health and personal social services to the public. This includes dealing with matters relating to staff disciplinary procedures. I am aware that the HSE has produced a comprehensive document on the matter entitled "Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures for the Health Service". This document was produced by a joint union/management working group under the auspices of the HSE — Employers Agency. The procedures were prepared in accordance with the Labour Relations Commission's Code of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures and came into effect from 1st May 2004.

Professionals who are subject to statutory regulation, such as doctors and nurses, may also face an inquiry and disciplinary process through their regulatory body in the event that a complaint of professional misconduct is made against them.

As disciplinary procedures regarding HSE staff are a matter for the Executive, my Department has requested the HSE to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy further and to reply to him directly.