To ask the Minister of Finance, pursuant to AQW 3594/22-27, what protections are in place for staff who are attending consideration of dismissal or inefficiency meetings and are on Occupational Health Service waiting lists for medical assessment.

For staff referred to OHS for medical assessment, as part of the decision making process for ‘consideration of dismissal or inefficiency meetings’, decisions are not taken by NICSHR until the OHS assessment has been completed, except where consent from an individual has not been provided to allow an OHS assessment to be undertaken.

For those staff subject to inefficiency sickness absence procedures support is available from their line manager, Welfare Support Services and the Employee Assistance Programme.