Vol. 459 No. 4
43 Dr. Woods asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform his views on whether a harassment helpline for staff in the public service to assist and advise those who may be suffering from sexual harassment would be helpful in dealing with such personal interference and abuse; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18238/95]
Guidelines for dealing with sexual harassment in the Civil Service were introduced by the Department of Finance in December 1990. I understand from that Department that public sector organisations generally operate these guidelines or adapt them as required to suit the particular requirements of the individual organisations. The code of practice on sexual harassment issued by my Department last year also acts as a guide in determining policy in this area in the public service. In this context I understand that the Department of Finance has commenced discussions with the Civil Service unions concerning the revision and updating of the current policy in the civil service with a view to incorporating elements of the code into the guidelines.
The current Department of Finance guidelines define sexual harassment, outline the responsibilities of supervisors, provide advice on the steps to be taken by an individual who considers that he or she is being subjected to sexual harassment and details the procedures for investigating allegations and handling complaints of sexual harassment.
Government Departments and the bodies under their aegis are encouraged to adopt procedures which best provide a structure for employees to report incidents of sexual harassment and in which they can be sure their complaints will be treated seriously and in the strictest confidence, with due regard to the sensitivities of the complainant. The Department of Finance also provides training courses on the subject of sexual harassment for personnel officers and employee assistance officers and it is intended to extend these courses to supervisors in the future.
