Bullying in the Workplace

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2017

Thursday, 29 June 2017

Questions (147)

Niall Collins

Question:

147. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is satisfied that anti-bullying policies are in place in his Department and in each State body and agency under his aegis; if such polices are being implemented effectively; the amount paid in compensation for bullying claims in each of the past five years in his Department and in each State body and agency under his aegis in tabular form; the action that has been taken to ensure such cases do not arise in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30752/17]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

The Dignity at Work Policy – an Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy for the Civil Service - was launched in 2015 for all Civil Servants. It replaced Circular 23/2005 “A Positive Working Environment”.

The Dignity at Work policy forms an integral part of all induction and management training in the Department. The policy is publicised for the attention of all officers in the Department at regular intervals.

The experience of the Department is that the policy is an effective tool in managing any case that may arise. My Department has also recently established a Workplace Relations Unit within Human Resources, to support the work of managers and staff in this area and to promote the principles of Dignity At Work across the Department.

No compensation was paid in relation to any such cases in my Department during the period in question.

There are no bodies under the aegis of my Department.