Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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550. To ask the Minister for Health whether when a member of staff of the National Ambulance Service identifies a problem regarding ambulance service delivery, proceeds to seek its resolution through internal NAS structures, is unsatisfied that the problem has been resolved and then communicates the problem to a TD, they will be sanctioned or disciplined as per the NAS's communication policy. [39629/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In common with most large organisations, both public and private sector, the HSE has policies and guidelines in place in relation to staff conduct and the means by which they may raise issues of concern. All staff receive a copy of the HSE's employee handbook, which includes information on the organisation's protected disclosure policy (whistleblowers) and the other channels available for staff to raise any concerns or grievances.

There is no prohibition on a staff member making representations to a public representative.

The HSE operates a comprehensive grievance procedure to enable staff to raise any problem or issue concerning work-related matters in order to have them addressed promptly. The grievance procedure has a number of formal stages through which staff can progress their concerns and part of this process includes referral to third parties such as the Labour Relations Commission.

In addition, there is an emphasis on informal discussion with line managers before progression of a difficulty through the formal stages of the process. Staff can, at anytime (without invoking the grievance process) discuss issues concerning service delivery or any aspect of their employment with their line manager should they wish to do so. In line with normal practice in the public service, the HSE also has an agreed disciplinary procedure.