Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received from the Health and Safety Authority a proposed update to the 2002 Code of Practice on Workplace Bullying, as referred to by him in his answer to Parliamentary Question No. 92 of 15 November 2006; the changes that will be required to legislation, either primary or secondary, to fully implement this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2532/07]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Some months ago, I asked the Health and Safety Authority to update the 2002 Code of Practice on Workplace Bullying in light of the updated requirements in the new Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

The Health and Safety Authority in 2006 has since developed a draft "Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work" to be published in accordance with Section 60 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. The draft Code is aimed at preventing bullying and dealing with the problem when it happens in workplaces. It is a Code for both employers and employees. The draft Code explains what bullying means and deals with the responsibilities of employers and employees as regards preventing it.

The draft Code, when published, will replace the "Code of Practice on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying" published by the Authority in 2002 under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989.

Public consultation by the Health and Safety Authority on the draft Code, in accordance with the 2005 Act, concluded on 16 January 2007. I understand that the Authority is currently analysing the submissions received on the draft Code. I look forward to receipt of the of Authority's resultant proposals as soon as possible for my consideration and consent to publication.

It is not possible to say at this stage what changes, if any, to primary or secondary legislation will be required to fully implement this revised Code.