Vol. 483 No. 6
275 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he will take on a recent survey which showed that 95 per cent of nurses surveyed had been bullied in the work-place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21095/97]
The matter of bullying has been identified by the Commission on Nursing in its interim report as an issue of concern within the nursing profession. The survey to which the Deputy refers was undertaken recently by the Irish Nurses' Organisation and was referred to at the launch of the organisation's policy on bullying on 20 November 1997. I understand that the Irish Nurses' Organisation has forwarded a copy of its policy to the commission.
The commission intends to consider all the issues raised with it and address them in its final report, within the context of its terms of reference. It is anticipated that the commission's final report will be available towards the middle of 1998.
A model equal opportunities policy and action plan for the health service, drawn up in association with employers and unions representing staff, was finalised recently and employers have been asked to ensure its implementation. It includes arrangements for a code of practice to provide a framework for dealing effectively with any complaint of harassment.
