Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 137: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding violence against workers in their employment; his strategies to deal with violence, intimidation and bullying in the workplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12563/05]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Violence in any sector of the economy is a matter for reporting to the Garda for investigation and prosecution where an offence has been committed.

Where violence is identified as a hazard at the workplace, employers are required under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 to include a provision in their safety statement to deal with the problem.

While there are no specific occupational health and safety regulations relating to the prevention of violence at the workplace, an information and advisory booklet on the matter is available from the Health and Safety Authority.

In so far as bullying is concerned, an expert advisory group established by my predecessor to look at the measures for the prevention of workplace bullying and to identify improvements is, I understand, finalising its report and will submit it to me shortly. I look forward to the report which I hope will be a useful input to the formulation of a policy to deal with the issue of workplace bullying.