Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In general, the Equality Tribunal is the forum for hearing extreme cases of bullying. Every college must have an anti-bullying policy. The relationship with the HEA involves setting out performance areas under which colleges must show they are addressing concerns. I will bring the Deputy's concerns to the attention of the authority. I cannot substantiate the cases in respect of any college or whether one college is better or worse than another. Cases have been brought to the Equality Tribunal, which have resulted in a broad programme of action being take by colleges to address bullying or prejudice in selection procedures and so on.

The idea behind Ms Máire Geoghegan-Quinn's approach is that there would be respect across the system and people's rights and opportunities would be respected. While the expert group concerned itself with gender equality and there is evidence that many women are not advancing as they ought to, there are wider principles, which if they were brought to bear in all the colleges, would address these concerns.

I will bring the Deputy's concerns about one institution to the attention of the HEA. I have no basis for confirming or otherwise that there is a problem. I have read the articles but as they have indicated, the research was undertaken in order that an action plan could be taken on board by the college concerned. As I understand it, there has been some action within the college. I will seek to establish more information for the Deputy in light of the reports he has tabled and ascertain whether I can give him a more satisfactory response.

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