John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the names of officials and those who attended a meeting with the former Minister, former Deputy Mary Harney, relative to a formal complaint lodged by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; the actions taken by him or the Health Service Executive following this meeting; if he will arrange an independent review of the case and the way the complaint was handled to satisfy himself that the HSE investigation followed best practice, protected the rights of the patient concerned, protected the rights of the nurse who made the complaint, disciplined those who were found to be wrong and introduced protections and procedure to ensure such an incident be a does not happen again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6326/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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At the meeting on 19 January last, Minister Harney was accompanied by her adviser, a representative from the Mental Health Unit and a representative from the Patient Safety Unit. Following the meeting, and as agreed, the official from the Mental Health Unit contacted the Mental Health Commission and requested that the Inspector of Mental Health Services again examine the issues raised by the complainant.

On 7 March, the Acting CEO of the Commission forwarded a copy of the Inspector's response, which indicated that he had reviewed all available information relating to the case, and had spoken to the Executive Clinical Director for Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary. The Inspector indicated that in his judgement, satisfactory investigations were carried out and he is satisfied that appropriate measures are now in place to prevent a recurrence. The complainant was informed of the Inspector's response by letter dated 14 March, and the position was also explained to him, by telephone, by a number of Department Officials.

The complainant's contention that his working hours were reduced following the submission of his complaint has not been substantiated; documentary evidence received from the HSE indicates that the complainant's working hours had in fact increased, following the submission of his complaint. I am satisfied that the allegations have been satisfactorily reviewed and any necessary measures were taken by the hospital management. In the circumstances, I believe that a further review of the complaint is not warranted.