I propose to take Questions Nos. 789 to 793, inclusive, together.
There were sixteen bullying and harassment cases taken in my Department from 2003 to date. Of these cases, two were upheld, seven were not upheld, four were withdrawn and three are ongoing.
The outcome in five cases was subject to review. The original decision in one case was overturned, two were upheld and two are ongoing.
One Assistant Secretary, who has since retired, and one Principal Officer conducted reviews in the three cases that have been completed.
Where a person seeking a review is represented by their Trade Union, the agreement of the relevant Union is secured. Where an officer is not so represented, the practice is to appoint a reviewer who has previously conducted a review(s) by agreement with a Trade Union.