Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 543: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the number of civil servants in his Department who have attended courses on stress management in the workplace between 2005 and 2007; if stress reduction procedures have been put in place arising from attendance at such courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10600/08]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The number of civil servants in my Department who have attended stress management courses over the period 2005 — 2007 inclusive is set out in the table below.

My Department promotes a positive working environment through a range of HR policies and initiatives including supporting Family Friendly policies aimed at promoting work-life balance and thus alleviating potential stress. Such initiatives include term-time, flexible working week patterns, career breaks and e-working. The Department also implements a performance management and development system which facilitates staff and management in discussing and managing the work, performance and development of staff. In addition a wide range of training and development courses, designed to improve the work performance and ability of staff, are supported and contribute in turn to reduced stress levels. All staff are made aware that my Department employs an Employee Assistance Officer who is trained and available to listen to advise and assist staff on a confidential basis.