Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 2

Adjournment Debate. - Occupational Injuries.

John McGuinness

Question:

394 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an employee (details supplied) of an organisation has been told by a welfare officer that stress is not considered an occupational injury in this country despite the fact that the organisation runs stress management courses for its staff which will result in the person's salary being cut off due to absence from work through stress; if he will investigate this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18140/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen):

All consultations between employees and departmental employee assistance officers are confidential. I understand however, that in response to a request from an employee, the employee assistance officer made inquiries as to whether stress-related illness qualified for occupational injury benefit with the Department of Social and Family Affairs. That Department advised that stress-related illness did not qualify for occupational injury benefit and this was conveyed to the employee.