Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Mar 1994

Vol. 439 No. 5

Written Answers. - Sexual Harassment Cases.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

178 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the number of cases of sexual harassment that were reported in each of the years 1990 to 1993; the gender analysis of these cases; the number of cases that were successful in the courts; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

The number of cases involving allegations of sexual harassment which were the subject of a reference to the Labour Court under the Employment Equality Act, 1977 is set out below. The number which were successfully processed under the Act is also set out. Of the balance of cases some were unsuccessful, some were withdrawn or settled and others have still to be finalised (one from 1991, three from 1992 and six from 1993). Only one case was taken by a male employee (in 1991).

	Number of Cases	Number Successful
1990	6	4
1991	19	6
1992	16	3
1993	8	—

It is important to understand that these statistics do not accurately reflect either the incidence of occurrence of sexual harassment in the workplace or the level of complaints brought to the attention of the employer. Under-reporting of sexual harassment complaints has been documented in research and many complaints are resolved locally either directly with the employer or with the assistance of a trade union or of the Employment Equality Agency.