Written Answers Nos. 245-246
245. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht her key priorities in the forthcoming capital review; the projects submitted for priority inclusion in the review; the status of negotiations with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2286/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Mid-Term Review of the Capital Plan: Building on Recovery 2016-2021 was published in September 2017. Details of the priority projects and programmes for my Department are outlined in the report prepared by my Department as part of the review process which is available on the website of the Department of Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform http://www.per.gov.ie/en/submissions-to-the-review-of-the-capital-plan/
In addition, a new 10 year National Investment Plan, in support of the new National Planning Framework Ireland 2040, is to be published by the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform with a view to sustaining national economic and social progress over the longer term. As deliberations are still ongoing in relation to this Plan, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
246. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if bullying or sexual harassment claims have been lodged in her 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 her Department to combat bullying and sexual harassment. [2312/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that in 2012, there was a bullying complaint investigated and upheld in my Department. Appropriate action was taken and an agreed protocol was put in place between the parties.
Everyone in my Department is entitled to be treated with respect, dignity and fairness in the workplace. My Department is committed to protecting dignity and respect across the organisation. I am assured that the Dignity at Work Policy – an anti-bullying, harassment and sexual harassment policy for the Irish Civil Service, which came into effect in February 2015, is implemented. The key aims of this policy are to:
- achieve a work environment where dignity and respect are to the forefront of our values
- create an environment where bullying, harassment and sexual harassment are not tolerated in any form
- ensure that each individual is aware of his/her responsibility to behave in a way that reflects a culture of dignity and respect.
The policy aims to promote respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace. Every member of staff in my Department is made aware that all forms of bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment are unacceptable and every member of staff has a duty to behave in an acceptable and respectful manner.
