A teacher facing child pornography charges and a nursing aide accused of sexually harassing patients and colleagues are being investigated by the Public Service Commission.

The list of cases currently being examined by the commission includes that of a first secretary, which is one grade below that of an ambassador, charged with misusing electronic equipment and making defamatory comments about another person.

These are just three of 19 pending cases, some of which are also in court, that are before the commission whose term ended in June.

The commission's primary role is to advise and make its recommendations to the Prime Minister about who will be appointed in a public office. It also has a disciplinary role over public officers.

Also facing the commission is a court messenger charged with fraud and with stealing a car and money, and a plumber accused of handling stolen goods.

A police officer was hauled before the commission charged with making false declarations which then led to fraud while a handyman working with the Works Department had to answer for unauthorised absenteeism.

The information emerged in reply to a parliamentary question.