Bullying in the Workplace

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2017

Thursday, 29 June 2017

Questions (169)

Niall Collins

Question:

169. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Justice and Equality 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. [30755/17]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality

I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department and all of its Offices and Agencies are fully committed to promoting respect, dignity, safety and equality in the workplace. All Organisations under my remit have anti-bullying policies in place with most using Dignity at Work, an Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy for the Irish Civil Service whilst others, for example An Garda Siochana, have their own anti-bullying policy. Every effort is made to ensure that appropriate behaviours are displayed in our work environment and this is emphasised through the training rolled out to our managers and staff and the promotion of our culture and values.

The amount paid in compensation for bullying claims in the past five years are:

2013	Nil
2014	€22,500
2015	Nil
2016	Nil
2017	Nil
Total	€22,500

The figures in the table above include bodies under the aegis of my Department with the exception of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service. I have asked both An Garda Síochána and the Prison Service to provide the information directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.