Vol. 514 No. 3
154 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Finance if he will ensure that training and workshops will be provided in all Government Departments to protect, deter and investigate alleged cases of bullying; the measures, if any, taken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter [3983/00]
My Department is at an advanced stage of discussions with the Civil Service staff unions on the introduction of a comprehensive policy on harassment, sexual harassment and bullying for the Civil Service. The Civil Service is committed to the development and maintenance of a positive working environment and the introduction of the policy will underpin the commitment of management to ensuring that every employee has a right to carry out her or his duties free from any form of harassment, sexual harassment and bullying. However, it is recognised that the introduction of a policy is not in itself sufficient to counteract harassment, sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace and the policy will recognise the need for management in Government Departments to adopt a proactive approach to ensuring the workplace is free of such behaviour.
