Taoiseach asked to probe ‘misogynistic and toxic’ culture in ambulance service

The Taoiseach has been asked to investigate reports of a “misogynistic and toxic culture” in the National Ambulance Service (NAS).

In the Dail on Wednesday, People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Ruth Coppinger raised the case of a woman who has reported a paramedic for allegedly drugging and raping her on multiple occasions.

Ms Coppinger said that she had seen paramedics do “incredible work” and said the NAS is “absolutely essential”, but added: “I’ve spoken to Kathy, it’s not her real name, and she has reported a paramedic who drugged, sexually assaulted, coercively controlled and raped her on multiple occasions.

“He apparently stole controlled drugs – midozolam, a strong sedative and penthrox, a powerful painkiller, and he used them against her.”

Ms Coppinger said that he was recently promoted to a senior position within the NAS despite the service being “aware for over a year of a rape investigation” into the man.

She said “at least five women suffered misconduct from this man”, adding that one woman had been locked in a shed.

She added: “Four women contacted their line managers, but the complaints were not progressed.”

Ms Coppinger was critical of the complaints procedures and sexual harassment procedures within the NAs.

“It seems a bit like the church. Offenders get moved from base to base after complaints.”

She asked Taoiseach Micheal Martin: “Will you investigate why the HSE has promoted this man and why the procedures are failing now?”

Mr Martin, who said he did not have the full details of the case, replied: “I don’t want to prejudice anything that may be in train, but it is very difficult to comprehend how somebody who has these complaints and charges made against could be promoted.”

He added: “No woman should have to suffer such harassment, in this case, sedation and rape.

“And you are quite correct that there should be an absolute zero tolerance approach with the National Ambulance Service to misogyny, to sexual harassment and to the undermining of women in any shape or form, in any way, in their daily work.”

Mr Martin said he would ask Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to appraise him of the background to the case and, if necessary, “then to initiate a review into this”.

The HSE, which operates the NAS, said in a statement that it “does not accept or tolerate sexual harassment in any form in the workplace”.

It said this is set out “in clear terms” in the standards of conduct and behaviour, which employees are expected to uphold.

“The Dignity at Work policy for the Public Health Service sets out how the HSE aims to create and support an environment where staff are treated with dignity and respect,” it said.

“Where any employee experiences such behaviour, the Dignity at Work policy provides a clear and understandable mechanism for any employee to raise a concern.

“Where any complaint is made, the complainant has access to support arrangements to ensure their concerns are heard and their welfare supported. In accordance with the principles of natural justice, the HSE must afford all parties, including respondents, the right to fair procedures.

“If an independent investigation establishes wrongdoing, the HSE takes such behaviour very seriously, with sanctions up to and including dismissal. Staff members are also encouraged to contact the Garda in unlawful instances. Where relevant, the HSE will also notify the appropriate professional regulator.”