Vol. 529 No. 1
162 Mr. Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the task force on bullying will present its recommendations; the reason for the delay in completing its work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1673/01]
The task force on the prevention of workplace bullying is examining workplace bullying in detail and 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 co-ordinated response from the relevant State agencies. While it was originally envisaged that the task force would report in March of last year, I have been advised by the chairman of the task force that it has not yet completed its deliberations. The original deadline proved too short for the work in hand and the chairman of the task force requested an extension of time to facilitate a proper fulfilment of its remit, in particular the first remit, which is to identify the size of the problem and the sectors most at risk. I look forward to receiving the report of the task force and any recommendations made thereon in the very near future.
