Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 14 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 3

Written Answers. - TUI Report.

Monica Barnes

Question:

25 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to a recent TUI report which showed that almost one third of teachers had been bullied at work, with the most common perpetrator a male supervisor; and if he will review the adequacy of policy guidelines and their implementation and the adequacy of funding for services seeking to offer support to deal with this problem. [20018/99]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

I am aware of the report referred to by the Deputy. The report is a valuable contribution towards raising awareness of bullying in schools and its findings were discussed in detail at a recent TUI seminar on bullying funded by my Department.

Teachers are entitled to work in an environment which is free from any activity or behaviour that adversely affects their dignity. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, schools have an obligation as employers to ensure the safety, health and welfare of employees at work in so far as is reasonably practicable. Under the legislation, employers are required to identify the hazards; assess the risks to health and safety; and put appropriate safeguards in place. Bullying should be considered as a potential hazard and assessed accordingly and appropriate preventative measures taken. Teachers should be made aware of these measures and the support systems in place for those who experience difficulty. My Department has circularised schools regarding their obligations under the health and safety legislation. Schools are also advised to review the effectiveness of their bullying and health and safety policies on a regular basis in consultation with school staff in order to ensure that weaknesses are identified and addressed.

The national educational psychological service is available as a support service to schools where difficulties occur. In addition, my Department has established the employee assistance scheme for teachers on a pilot basis. Employee assistance officers provide a confidential support and advice service to teachers in situations where they encounter difficulties such as bullying in their workplace. My Department has also agreed to fund a TUI initiative in the training of trainers in the area of bullying.

The adequacy and effectiveness of the measures in place to assist schools in dealing with incidents of bullying behaviour is kept under ongoing review by my Department.