Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her target to reduce the number of hours lost through absenteeism in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39503/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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In 2005 my Department introduced a comprehensive Attendance Management Policy which provides for the active management of absenteeism by, among other measures, highlighting the importance of good attendance to the Department in the delivery of its services and clearly setting out the duties and responsibilities of all staff and managers in this area.

The objective of the Attendance Management Policy is to maximise attendance and minimise absenteeism to the greatest extent possible. In this regard measures set out in the Policy reflect best practice across all sectors both nationally and internationally and these are kept under review for the purposes of evaluating and, where necessary, increasing their effectiveness.

The measures include return to work interviews, a comprehensive Health Promotion Policy and supports for staff who are returning to work after a long term illness.

My Department also works closely with the Chief Medical Officer who plays a crucial role in advising the Department on employee's fitness for work from a medical perspective.