Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 3

Written Answers. - Bullying in the Workplace.

John Perry

Question:

67 Mr. Perry asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she has taken to deal with bullying; the research which has taken place and the outcome of the research to address the problem; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3944/01]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

As Minister with responsibility for labour affairs, my area of interest in relation to bullying arises strictly in the context of bullying in the workplace. I have set up a task force on the prevention of workplace bullying which is operating under the auspices of the Health and Safety Authority.

The remit of the task force is to identify the size of the problem, to develop practical programmes and strategies to prevent workplace bullying and to produce a co-ordinated response from State agencies. The task force has com missioned national research in order to fulfill its first remit. The task force is completing its work and I look forward to receiving its final report shortly.