I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department and all of its Offices and Agencies are fully committed to promoting respect, dignity, safety and equality in the workplace. All Organisations under my remit have anti-bullying policies in place with most using Dignity at Work, an Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy for the Irish Civil Service whilst others, for example An Garda Siochana, have their own anti-bullying policy. Every effort is made to ensure that appropriate behaviours are displayed in our work environment and this is emphasised through the training rolled out to our managers and staff and the promotion of our culture and values.
The amount paid in compensation for bullying claims in the past five years are:
2013
|
Nil
|
2014
|
€22,500
|
2015
|
Nil
|
2016
|
Nil
|
2017
|
Nil
|
Total
|
€22,500
|
The figures in the table above include bodies under the aegis of my Department with the exception of An Garda Síochána and the Irish Prison Service. I have asked both An Garda Síochána and the Prison Service to provide the information directly to the Deputy as soon as it is available.