In 2016, the Irish Prison Service replaced the Anti-Harassment, Sexual Harassment and Bullying Policy 2007 policy with the Dignity at Work policy 2015. This policy aims to promote respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace. Every employee has a right to work in an environment free of any form of bullying, harassment or sexual harassment and every employee has a duty to behave in an acceptable and respectful manner.
I have been assured by the Director General of the Prison Service that all complaints raised under that policy are treated seriously, fairly and in the strictest confidence. Furthermore, complaints which are upheld may be pursued by the HR Manager as a disciplinary issue, in accordance with the provisions of the Disciplinary Code.
The Protected Disclosures Act was enacted in 2014 to allow employees to bring alleged wrongdoing to the attention of the appropriate authorities. The Irish Prison Service current Protected Disclosures Policy issued on 1 July 2018. It is aimed at supporting the Prison Service’s values, ensuring employees can raise concerns about relevant wrongdoing which come to their attention in connection with their employment, without fear of penalisation.
The policy further details the protections and supports available for staff who make protected disclosures and those involved in the investigation of a protected disclosure. The Irish Prison Service is a member of the Integrity At Work Programme, an initiative of Transparency International Ireland. Independent and confidential advice is available to workers (who have made or are considering making a disclosure) via Transparency International Ireland’s speak up helpline.
My Department and the Prison Service have engaged independent investigators to examine the majority of the disclosures and to report to the disclosers on the findings. There are dedicated units in my Department and in the Prison Service to liaise directly and in a confidential manner with disclosers. The Prison Service has provided training to staff on Protected Disclosures and Dignity at Work policies and procedures and it is planned that further training will be provided going forward.
Employees of the Prison Service are encouraged to avail of the support services available. These include the HR Governors and Staff Support Officers at the prison locations; the Employee Assistance Service at a national level and Inspire Workplaces which is a free confidential counselling service giving employees support on a range of personal and work-related issues. The Prison Service has also recently introduced a free and anonymous text helpline funded by the HSE.
New legislation, under the Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2022, will provide for further protection and support for those who make a protected disclosure.
I am informed that there are a number of ongoing independent investigations and pending court cases involving individual disclosers and in these circumstances it would not be appropriate for me to meet with the individuals concerned, or establish further inquiries into the matters in question.
