Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
286. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if his Department, and public bodies and agencies under his remit, have an anti-racism policy which can be accessed by the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27684/23]
View answerMy Department is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace demographically representative of the population which it serves. My Department is equally committed to the promotion of respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace. There are several policies and associated procedures in place to both set out the standards to which the staff of my Department are held and to ensure all staff conduct themselves in an appropriate and respectful manner and are protected from all forms of bullying and harassment, including all forms of racial discrimination.
My Department is at all times compliant with the provisions of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015, which prohibit discrimination, including racial discrimination in the workplace, and provides protection against unfair treatment on the grounds of an individual’s ethnicity or race.
The Code of Standards and Behaviour for the Irish Civil Service, which sets out the principal values and behaviour that all civil servants should abide by including respectful and appropriate behaviour to both colleagues and members of the public, is of critical importance in the conduct of my Department's business.
In support of the Code of Standards and Behaviour, the Dignity at Work: An Anti Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy for the Civil Service aims to provide a respectful and inclusive work environment and defines unacceptable behaviours, including discrimination and harassment. All staff have the right to raise a complaint under the Dignity at Work policy, and such complaints will be confidentially and comprehensively investigated to ensure that the staff of my Department are treated equitably and appropriately.
Where The Code of Standards and Behaviour for the Irish Civil Service and/ or The Dignity at Work policy are not adhered to, action may be taken under the Civil Service Disciplinary Code. The Disciplinary Code defines misconduct, including harassment, and sets out the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken should instances of such inappropriate behaviour arise.
All legislation and policies referenced are publicly available. I have asked the aegis bodies to respond directly to you on this matter and if you do not hear from them within 10 days you should contact my office.
