Overview
The Medical Council is seeking to recruit a Complaints and Investigations Solicitor (Assistant Principal Grade) to join its Complaints and Investigations team. The team supports the Preliminary Proceedings Committee (PPC) and the CEO in relation to the Medical Council's complaints function. The PPC is the screening committee responsible for decisions regarding whether there is a prima facie case for the holding of an inquiry before the Fitness to Practise Committee. The Complaints & Investigations team also deals with urgent Section 60 matters under the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 to protect the public.
The Complaints & Investigations Solicitor will report to Senior Solicitors in the Directorate and/or to the Director of the Complaints and Investigations team. The role works as part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) with other Assistant Principal Solicitors, Complaints and Investigations Managers, Case Officers and Support Executives. The work is challenging and rewarding, on the frontline of issues arising in the health system, with a focus on protecting the public daily.
Responsibilities
* Make decisions as to the investigative steps to be carried out in relation to complaints on behalf of the CEO.
* Attend PPC meetings and provide legal advice to the PPC on investigation progression and related legal issues.
* Assist the CEO and the PPC in carrying out their legal functions and ensure compliance with best practice and legislative requirements.
* Provide legal oversight and timely strategic legal advice in relation to complaints made to the PPC and/or the CEO, including changes following the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2020.
* Assess potential complaints, including risk analysis and patient safety evaluation.
* Screen and triage complaints in line with relevant guidance and legislation.
* Provide legal advice and analysis to the Council, PPC, CEO and/or Executive on statutory powers, administrative law issues, fair procedures, and delivering on strategic objectives to protect the public.
* Oversee delivery and execution of investigations to ensure progress is efficient and that decisions adhere to fair procedures and natural justice.
* Lead a team within the PPC Unit (Support Executives, Complaints Managers and Case Officers) to foster development, collaboration and high performance.
* Oversee preparation of cases for decision by the PPC, including obtaining external documentation, preparing legal advice and instructions to Counsel, attending case conferences, and liaising with doctors and defence solicitors while ensuring proactive case progression.
* Participate in implementing amendments to processes and procedures, particularly those arising from the 2020 Act.
* Perform any other duties as assigned, recognizing the role may evolve with the organisation’s needs.
Responsibilities in relation to Section 60 Matters
* Advise on serious complex matters/incidents concerning Section 60 of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007, carrying out urgent preliminary investigations to gather information for presentations before Council and/or the High Court.
* Conduct meetings with the CEO and the President of the Medical Council and provide legal advice on strategic approaches to Section 60 cases.
* Attend Council meetings to receive instructions on behalf of the CEO and provide advice on arising issues.
* Provide instructions to external legal firms and manage external solicitors and/or Counsel for Section 60 applications to the Medical Council and/or the High Court.
* Attend hearings of Section 60 matters before the High Court to provide instructions to panel firms/Counsel and monitor Court decisions for insights into decision making.
Section 105 of the Act
* Carry out investigations into doctors suspected of practising medicine while unregistered.
* Advise the CEO on whether a doctor is practising in contravention of the Act and whether cases should be reported to An Garda Siochana.
* Advise on possible injunction applications to the High Court to prevent unregistered medical practitioners from practising.
* Develop and improve internal processes for managing Section 105 cases.
Essential Criteria
* Professional legal qualification as a solicitor or barrister licensed to practise within the State.
Desirable Criteria
* 3+ years of relevant post-qualification experience as a legal practitioner is desirable.
* Good knowledge of the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 (as amended), the Medical Council’s remit, and anticipated amendments via the 2020 Act.
* Experience in a healthcare regulatory role is advantageous.
* Experience in healthcare litigation is desirable.
* Experience with case management systems and relevant IT applications.
Essential Characteristics
Excellent judgment with the confidence, discipline and intellect to operate in a demanding environment. Strong time-management, prioritisation and delivery capabilities. Clear, precise written and oral communication with attention to detail. Ability to communicate effectively at senior level with sound strategic and operational judgment. Excellent stakeholder relationship management. Strong team-building and mentoring skills. Thorough knowledge of administrative and constitutional law, judicial review, fair procedures and natural justice. Knowledge of professional regulation law and related Irish and EU legislation. Developed advocacy and legal presentation skills.
Details of Appointment
Position Type: Full-time permanent with a 6-month probationary period. Salary: Starting salary €81,475 (first point of the Assistant Principal Officer PayScale). There may be a higher entry point for current civil/public servants. Salary progressions occur annually in line with the Assistant Principal Grade PayScale and applicable performance. Remuneration is subject to government pay policy.
Salary scales: €81,475; €84,475; €87,518; €90,569; €93,617; €95,375; €98,449; €101,535. After 3 and 6 years at the maximum, additional increments apply.
Benefits and Hours
Annual Leave: 30 working days plus public holidays. Hours: 35 hours per week, Mon-Fri. Location: Kingram House, Kingram Place, Dublin 2. Hybrid policy; currently required in-office 2 days a week (subject to change).
Pension
Public Sector Pension scheme with contributions on joining. Consideration for transfer if currently a public/civil servant.
Rewards/Benefits
Dedicated Wellbeing group and initiatives, Employee Assistance Programme, Digital Gym and Wellbeing App, Training and Development, Education, Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, TaxSaver Travel Tickets, Bike to Work Scheme, Subsidised Flu Jabs, Paid Exam Leave & Study Leave, Income Continuance Scheme, Civil Service Credit Union.
Apply By
31 October 2025. Expected Interview: Mid November 2025.
#J-18808-Ljbffr