Preliminary Proceedings Committee investigates complaints

The role of the Preliminary Proceedings Committee (PPC) is to give initial consideration to complaints. It can refer complaints to the Fitness to Practise Committee, accept an undertaking or make recommendations to the Board that no further action be taken, or that the matter be referred to another body or authority, or to mediation. The Preliminary Proceedings Committee may also accept an undertaking and/or consent from the nurse or midwife who is the subject of a complaint. 

Committee members

The PPC is a statutory committee of the Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, established under the Act. According to the Act, the PPC must be comprised as follows:

• At least one third of the PPC members must be members of the Board.
• The chairperson must be a member of the Board.
• The majority of the PPC members may not be or may not have been registered nurses or midwives in this State or any other jurisdiction.

The PPC consists of eleven members. They are as follows:

Board members:

• Louise Collins (non-nurse/midwife) 
• Terry McGonigal (non-nurse/midwife)
• Kate O’Halloran (midwife)
• Niamh Murphy (non-nurse/midwife) - Chair
• Marie Lavelle (nurse)

Non-Board members:​

• Andrew Popplewell (non-nurse/midwife)
• Geraldine Campbell (non-nurse/midwife)
• Colum Bracken (nurse)
• Maureen Carolan (non-nurse/midwife)
• Brendan O'Dea (non-nurse/midwife)
• Angela Dunne (midwife)

The PPC held its first meeting on 4th September 2013.

Procedures of the Preliminary Proceedings Committee (PPC)

This document should be read in conjunction with Parts 7, 8 and 9 of the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011, as amended. 

This document includes information about:

• Initial management of a complaint
• Decision of the PPC
• Undertakings and Consents
• Procedures

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Watch the video below for more information about undertakings and consents.