I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 11 and 128 together. I have been examining the views of a number of organisations including IBEC, ICTU and the Employment Equality Agency which were consulted earlier in connection with the implementation of the provisions of the EC Recommendation and Code of Practice on the Protection of the Dignity of Women and Men at Work.
I am satisfied, arising from those views, that there is a broad measure of support for the development of an Irish code of practice on this subject. Such a code would of course draw on the EC Recommendation and Code of Practice on the Protection of the Dignity of Women and Men at Work.
Given the re-organisation of ministerial responsibilities since the various views were provided and in view of my concern to see a more active role for the Employment Equality Agency in the preparation of codes of practice on equality issues, I have written to the agency asking it to undertake the preparation of a draft Irish code in full consultation with the social partners so as to ensure as broad a consensus as possible for the effective operation of any code.
When the draft code has been submitted I intend to consider how best to give it effect. The review of the employment equality legislation should be well advanced by then and this should facilitate my consideration of the most appropriate way forward.
In addition to the preparation of a code of practice on sexual harassment, the Employment Equality Agency is continuing its work to highlight this problem and provides ongoing advice to employers and workers in this area. Over and above the agency's involvement I acknowledge the efforts of IBEC and ICTU in combating sexual harassment.
The possible need for codes of practice in respect of any other forms of harassment which might occur at the workplace should be explored initially within the general industrial relations procedures.