Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 518: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in a letter dated 12 January 2009, Sligo County Council sought advice from the Local Government Management Services Board regarding the appointment of suitably qualified experienced professionals to conduct an investigation under the council's dignity at work policy, and that a senior official of the board in a letter to the council dated 14 January 2009, stated that the board would recommend persons (details supplied) as suitable, qualified and independent investigators; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the Local Government Management Services Board did not hold a meeting in the period 12 January 2009 to 14 January 2009 and therefore the board was unable to consider the letter of 12 January 2009 from Sligo County Council; his views, in view of the significant number of suitably qualified experienced professionals, solicitors and consultants who are capable of conducting such an investigation, on whether it is appropriate that a senior official of the Local Government Management Services Board should be allowed to use their position to select and recommend particular individuals to carry out such contracts for local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22648/09]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I understand that an independent and statutory investigation is being carried out at Sligo County/Borough Councils in accordance with the Health and Safety Authority's Code of Practice for prevention and resolution of bullying at work and the Dignity at Work Policy of the Sligo local authorities. I have no function in this matter. However, I understand it would be normal practice for local authorities to seek advice from the Local Government Management Services Board or its officials in relation to such matters.