Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I concur with Deputy Connolly that this is a serious issue. It is important to remember the principles that arose from the group's report, which stated that workplace bullying is unacceptable in all circumstances, that management is responsible for ensuring that such behaviour is not tolerated and that incidents of bullying should be adequately addressed and brought to a fair and conclusive resolution in a timely manner. The expert group recommended legislation on that basis.

The reasons for updating the survey are simple. The 2001 report suggested that 16% of people in the workplace were at some time subjected to bullying and it is important to establish whether the perception that bullying is on the increase is correct. The qualitative issues which arise in terms of bullying must also be established.

The Deputy is correct in noting that this matter can beset all grades. It is a mistake to assume that all incidents of bullying involve management or senior staff bullying others at a lower grade. In fact, bullying often occurs within the same grade and apparently there are occasional instances of harassment by lower grades of more senior staff. Complex issues are, therefore, at play. It undoubtedly has a negative impact on productivity and gives rise to problems for industry in terms of sick leave and related areas.

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