Bullying in the Workplace.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2006

Wednesday, 25 January 2006

Ceisteanna (496)

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

597 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the policy to deal with bullying in his Department; if same has been circulated to all employees; if there are outstanding law cases regarding the issue by employees; if cases were dealt with or settled since 1 January 2000, and if so, the number of same; if his Department has legislation dealing with the issue of bullying or plans to introduce such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1904/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. N. Dempsey)

There is a centrally agreed Civil Service-wide policy in place that prescribes procedures to be followed by all Departments in dealing with bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. It would not, therefore, be a matter for my Department to unilaterally introduce a particular policy or legislation regarding these issues. A revised central policy in this regard was published by the Department of Finance in July of last year entitled, A Positive Working Environment — An Anti-Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Bullying Policy for the Civil Service. This revised policy has been promulgated to all staff in my Department and is also posted on the Department's intranet site.

There are no outstanding legal cases in my Department relating to bullying. Six non-legal cases involving allegations of bullying have arisen in the Department since 1 January 2000, five of which have been fully dealt with, and one of which is ongoing.