Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will establish an independent staff commission to review and monitor the personnel procedures of the health and social services boards in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Hanley[holding answer 29 April 1993]: Health and personal social services employing authorities are bound by legislation in relation to employment procedures. The management executive of the Department of Health and Social Services monitors their personnel policies, and has particular responsibility for the selection and appointment procedures which apply to all staff in the health and personal social services. It is considered unnecessary to set up such a commission.
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total expenditure, including legal costs and compensation payments, incurred by each health and social services board in defending religion and sex discrimination cases over the past three years to 30 April.
§ Mr. Hanley[holding answer 29 April 1993]: Although the total expenditure occurred could be provided only at disproportionate cost, I will write to the hon. Gentleman with details of legal costs and compensation payments when this information has been compiled.