AN independent probe into inappropriate housing allocations at Dublin City Council has implicated a senior staff member.

The finding was part of the grievance allegation set in motion by an employee who previously granted an interview to the Sunday Tribune in which she made claims of a culture of abuse.

The file in question, for urgent medical priority, was referred to the chief medical officer (CMO) on 11 September 2006 with "no medical priority awarded" noted.

However, eight days later, an "elected representative" wrote to the senior staff member saying: "I understand in the last few days file [number stated] has been awarded medical priority… confirm in writing… you might let me know if it is urgent priority."

The external report found that "[the staff member in question] replied to this letter on 25 September 2006: 'We confirm that file [number stated] was awarded an overall medical priority on 21 September 2006 for suitable accommodation'." The report continued: "The chief medical officers did not award medical priority to the applicant. The letters to the public representative on 25 September 2006 come from [the senior staff member's] office.

"The allocations office did award an overall medical priority to the file without any medical recommendation from the CMO as requested by Dublin City Council and someone in this office has to bear the responsibility for breach of the letting regulations."

The junior staff member was cleared of involvement in this case and the Sunday Tribune understands that the senior staff member has sought legal advice with a view to removing this aspect of the investigation from the file.