Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 May 2003

Vol. 567 No. 6

Written Answers. - Bullying in the Workplace.

Willie Penrose

Question:

64 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the call made at the recent annual conference of the Public Service Executive Union for improved procedures to deal with bullying and sexual harassment within the Civil Service; if he intends to act on this call; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14641/03]

Minister for Finance (Mr. McCreevy)

The equality unit in my Department has responsibility for policy on harassment, sexual harassment and bullying in the Civil Service. The attention of the unit has been drawn to the call made at the recent conference of the Public Service Executive Union for improved procedures in this area.

The Civil Service policy on harassment, sexual harassment and bullying, A Positive Working Environment, was introduced in July 2000 following an agreement between management and the Civil Service staff unions at General Council.

Since 2000, most Departments have carried out formal investigations under the policy. As a result, significant additional demands have been placed on managers, personnel departments, investigators and on the Civil Service staff unions which have become increasingly involved in handling cases.

The importance and sensitivity of the issue of bullying and harassment led the equality unit in my Department to carry out an informal review of the policy in 2002. The aim of the review was to ascertain whether the policy was working effectively and if problems were identified, to propose solutions.

The review was based on discussions by the equality unit with personnel officers, investigators, the staff panel of the Civil Service General Council, which includes the Public Service Executive Union, and representatives of the employee assistance service. A document was drawn up which discusses the issues raised and makes proposals for amendments to the policy. The discussion document was circulated to these groups for comment in February 2003.

Comments on the discussion document have been received from a number of Departments and groups. As the issues raised are complex, most organisations, including the staff unions, are consulting with those who have been involved in investigations as well as with other staff members before providing comments and any other suggestions to the equality unit. It is proposed to draw up a further draft of the review document in the light of the comments received.