University suspends use of ‘invasive’ health questionnaire

NUI Galway has suspended the use of a pre-employment health screening questionnaire after it was heavily criticised for querying women about their menstrual cycle.

The questionnaire also posed queries such as: “Do you suffer any breast problems?”; “Have you ever been treated for gynaecological problems?”; and “Have you ever suffered prostate problems?” — prompting criticism that it was invasive and personal.

A spokesman for Siptu’s academic section said the response locally to the use of the questionnaire had been one of “shock, disgust, and anger”, adding: “A question that a number of people have asked this morning is: ‘What century are they living in?’ It is not funny at all.”