Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
1848. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development the number of allegations of bullying made by departmental staff against departmental staff in each of the past five years, and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if she will detail what actions are being taken by her Department to investigate the allegations, or if they are being investigated. [17803/23]
View answerThe Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19th July 2017 to provide a renewed and consolidated focus on rural and community development in Ireland.
The Department is committed to protecting dignity and respect across the organisation. The key policy in place in this regard is the Dignity at Work Policy. This policy outlines the procedures in place and the steps which individuals may take if they believe that they have been bullied or harassed. All staff are made aware of the contents of this policy and the procedures to be followed as part of the induction process for new employees. This ensures that all members of staff are aware that all forms of bullying and harassment are unacceptable and that every staff member has a duty to behave in an acceptable and respectful manner.
In addition staff may be referred by the Department's HR Manager to the Civil and Public Service Mediation Service, as a means to resolve complaints of bullying and harassment, as appropriate, where local efforts to resolve complaints have been exhausted.
There have been nil bullying or harassment claims made since the formation of my Department.
