Vol. 520 No. 1
82 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the scale of the problem that has been brought to her attention regarding bullying in the workplace; if new legislation is necessary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15080/00]
As the Deputy may be aware I have set up a task force on the prevention of workplace bullying which is being chaired by an independent chairperson, Dr. Eileen Doyle, and is operating under the auspices of the Health and Safety Authority.
The task force is examining workplace bullying in detail and is focusing on identifying the size of the problem and the employment sectors most at risk as well as developing proposals for practical programmes and strategies, both to prevent workplace bullying, and to provide a more appropriate stream-lined response from the relevant State agencies. Since I launched the task force, numerous representations have been made to myself, the HSA and the task force from individuals and organisations in relation to this matter.
