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Departmental Policies

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 June 2022

Thursday, 16 June 2022

Ceisteanna (182, 183)

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

182. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that operate in direct contact with members of the public have policies in place for members of the public to report instances of sexual harassment or assault that occur on the property of his Department or each public body and agency under his remit; if so, if these policies are publicly accessible on the relevant website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31752/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Holly Cairns

Ceist:

183. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Transport if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit have policies in place for employees to report instances of sexual harassment or assault that occur involving other employees or members of the public or on the property of his Department or each public body and agency that operate under his remit; if so, if these policies are publicly accessible on the relevant website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31771/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 183 together.

My Department has in place a number of safeguards for both our staff and members of the public who must attend our offices for services.

The Civil Service has a robust Dignity at Work Policy that promotes respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace and provides the framework for my Department to examine complaints of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace.

My Department also operates under Circular 19/2016 Civil Service Disciplinary Code. The purpose of this Code is to set out the arrangements for dealing with disciplinary matters in the Civil Service. It is also to ensure that all civil servants are aware that if there is a failure to adhere to the required standards of conduct, work performance and attendance, the disciplinary procedure set out in this Circular will apply. This procedure will be initiated where a concern arises about the conduct, work performance, and/or attendance of a civil servant. This procedure will provide a fair and efficient process for dealing with any such concern. This Code applies to all civil servants other than new entrants serving in a probationary capacity. The Guidelines on the Management of Probation in the Civil Service provides the mechanism to address performance issues with new entrant staff.

These central Civil Service policies are publicly available on the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform's website.

In accordance with Section 20 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, my Department has a Safety Statement which is a written action programme for safeguarding the health and safety of those at work. It details how health and safety is managed in the workplace. It is a not publicly available.

The Agencies under my remit have been requested to provide the Deputy with the requested information within 10 days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51
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