Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:191 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if consideration will be given to including bullying in any new health and safety Bill. [21344/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 29 September 2004
Ceisteanna (9, 10)
Olivia Mitchell
Ceist:192 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to put in place a separate statutory body to deal with bullying in the workplace. [21345/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 192 together.
An expert advisory group has been established by me to look at the issue of bullying and the resulting stress in the workplace. The terms of reference of the group envisage that it will report within three months and its first meeting was held on 16 September.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Bill 2004 was published in June and I would be willing to consider an amendment to the Bill if legislative change is recommended by the advisory group as an appropriate course of action for dealing with workplace bullying. I would not, however, envisage that it would be necessary to establish a new statutory body to deal with bullying in the workplace.