Vol. 530 No. 3
186 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he has put in place to deal with bullying; the research which has taken place and the outcome of the research to address the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3943/01]
The new Civil Service policy on harassment, sexual harassment and bullying was agreed at General Council and is being rolled out in the Department. All staff have been circulated with a policy document and guide on harassment and bullying and the Department's employee assistance officer and personnel unit have received formal training in dealing with complaints under the policy. In addition, five in-house investigating officers will be trained in the coming weeks. As the implementation of the policy is still in the process of being fully put in place no research on the topic has been conducted, however, a review of procedures and practices will be undertaken at a later date in the course of the Department's ongoing personnel work programme.
