Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2018
70. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if bullying or sexual harassment claims have been lodged in his Department in each year since 2011; if so, the number of either complaints on an annual basis, in tabular form; if these complaints have been investigated; the outcome of each investigation; and the policies in place in his Department to combat bullying and sexual harassment. [2321/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2011, one complaint of sexual harassment has been lodged within my Department and I can advise the Deputy that my Department's policy is that all complaints of bullying or sexual harassment are fully investigated by qualified investigators. The Department does not comment on individual cases and all parties are advised and assured of the importance of confidentiality in such matters.
The Civil Service is committed to protecting dignity and respect across the organisation and its Dignity at Work Policy aims to promote respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace. A key aim of the Policy is to provide awareness regarding the steps which individuals may take if they believe that they have been bullied, harassed, or sexually harassed. All policies are communicated to staff at induction and are accessible on line.
