Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has received concerning the establishment of an independent staff commission to review and monitor personnel procedures of the health and social services trusts in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramHealth and social services trusts are bound by the same employment legislation as other Northern Ireland employers. My noble Friend Baroness Denton has not received any representations concerning the establishment of a commission to monitor and review the personnel procedures of such trusts.
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on liaison between the new health and social services trusts in Northern Ireland and(a) universities in Northern Ireland and (b) the Central Council for Education and Training in Social Work, on the training of personnel; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramMy noble Friend Baroness Denton is quite content that the existing liaison arrangements will continue to operate satisfactorily. Health and social services trusts are empowered to make facilities and staff available in connection with training by a university or any other body providing training in connection with the health and personal social services.
Trusts which provide a significant level of personal social services must appoint one executive director who holds a recognised qualification in social work.
Additionally, where a trust has a significant medical teaching commitment, the Department of Health and Social Services must appoint a non-executive director from the university with a medical or dental school specified in its establishment order.