I propose to take Questions Nos. 438 and 439 together.
My Department and all of its offices and agencies are fully committed to promoting respect, dignity, safety and equality in the workplace. Every effort is made to ensure that appropriate behaviours are displayed by all staff in our work environment All organisations under my remit are subject to the Civil Service’s Dignity at Work policy, which outlines reporting procedures for sexual harassment, and the Civil Service Disciplinary Code, which states that sexual harassment is deemed to be serious misconduct. An Garda Síochána has its own anti-bullying policy, Working Together to Create a Positive Working Environment. The Civil Service is committed to protecting dignity and respect across the organisation. The 2015 Dignity at Work policy was developed in partnership between Civil Service management and staff unions, and aims to promote respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace. Every member of staff should be 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. The Dignity at Work policy can be found at: hr.per.gov.ie/en/publications/dignity-at-work-policy/
Working Together to Create a Positive Working Environment is available at www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/policy-documents/harassment-sexual-harrassment-and-bullying-in-the-workplace.pdf.
In matters relating to members of the public, there are no specific policies in place in relation to serious matters of this nature. If an individual believes that a potential crime has been committed in the course of any interactions with my Department or organisations under my remit, including sexual harassment and assault, they should immediately report it to An Garda Síochána. Any allegation of inappropriate behaviour against a member of my Department or any of the agencies under its remit should be reported to the Head of the Organisation concerned.
