Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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175. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the proposal for an independent confidential recipient to deal with complaints around persons with intellectual and physical disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48657/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Director General of the HSE yesterday announced the appointment of Ms Leigh Gath as Confidential Recipient in respect of complaints and disclosures of vulnerable persons in receipt of HSE funded services. Ms Gath has been a fearless advocate and a champion for people with a disability for many years and will, no doubt, provide a strong and independent voice in her role. She will be provided with office facilities in Limerick and will also be provided with a staff of individuals who have relevant skills and have had no prior engagement with the health service.

The role - of which the finer details have yet to be finalised - involves acting as a confidential recipient for 'whistleblowers' (including both staff and clients) in relation to safeguarding concerns and issues of alleged abuse, negligence or other mistreatment. The Director General of the HSE has stated that she will be an important champion for people who may be concerned, for various reasons, when they make complaints. The Terms of Reference for the role are currently being agreed.

The Director General has emphasised the importance of the confidentiality associated with this new process. This development complements the system wide process of the establishment of a National Implementation Taskforce that involves a 6 step programme which will be implemented and monitored; the details of which I have already outlined to the Deputy in PQ Number 48466/14, 16 December 2014.