Ulster Unionist Party Health spokesman Roy Beggs MLA  has asked the Health Minister, in the wake of  damning Reports of management malpractice, why no senior managers have been disciplined for the failings identified.

 Questioning the Minister after a statement on investigations into allegations of irregularities at the NI Fire and Rescue Service, the East Antrim MLA said;

“  He (The Minister) referred to financial control over the wholetime recruitment project being inadequate, payment arrangements not being appropriately approved and there being no written overtime policy or guidance on detached duties, etc.  Those are fundamental weaknesses in any organisation.  They are very basic management procedures that should be in place, even in a community and voluntary group, never mind an organisation of this size.  Has any disciplinary action been taken against any of the senior management team for their atrocious management?”

In response to the question, Minister Poots said that too often people were moved sideways and discipline did not take place, adding.

“ The Member puts his finger on a number of issues related to the recruitment process.  The report is quite extensive on inadequacies and failures in that process.  Regrettably, quite a number of things happened during it that should not have happened.  Quite a number of things should have been cleared with either the chief fire officer as accounting officer or, indeed, the board, but they were not. 

The report recommends that they look at discipline.  I hear what the Member says, and perhaps that reflects where the House is on the issue.  Too often, people are moved sideways and discipline does not take place, but we have a report that clearly identifies deficiencies, and there is also a recommendation that the human resources side should look at what disciplinary steps might be taken.  I hear what the Member says very clearly, and I trust that the board will hear what the Member says and what, I suspect, other Members will say clearly as well.”

Speaking outside the chamber Roy Beggs commented:  “I note that Minister went on to tell the house that “we expect discipline to be applied when people act in a way that is not in the general interest of the service that they work for.”  It will be interesting to see whether action is taken against the senior management who have been identified in these whistleblowing reports.  The hardworking and brave frontline Firefighters who risk their lives on behalf of the public will have been let down a second time  if no action is taken on foot of these reports.  We shall watch with interest on how this pans out over the next few months.”