In line with the general policy across the Civil Service, my Department aims to promote respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace. This policy applies equally to persons working in my Department and members of the public who need to attend at offices of the Department. My Department is clear that that all forms of bullying, harassment, and sexual harassment are unacceptable. Both staff and the public have a duty to behave in an acceptable and respectful manner while attending the Department’s offices. My Department’s Customer Charter, which is available on Gov.ie, commits my Department to ensuring that our public offices are fully accessible for all and comply with Health and Safety standards. This includes ensuring zero tolerance for instances of sexual harassment or assault.
As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has a number of offices that operate in direct contact with members of the public. In that regard, internal policies and guidelines are in place for all staff regarding how to best assist distressed customers and in relation to dealing with and reporting health and safety incidents of all kinds, including reports of sexual harassment or assault that might occur in our offices.
In addition, officials of my Department will act on any reports they receive of alleged abuse of customers, consulting or involving as appropriate other relevant agencies such as the HSE or An Garda Siochána and in conjunction with National Policies and Procedures such as ‘Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse’ and ‘Children First: National Guidelines for the Protection and Welfare of Children’. Where staff observe individuals behaving in an unacceptable manner in an office they will also take immediate action.
Customers also have the facility to register complaints, either directly with a staff member or by email, and details in this regard are also available on my Department’s website.
