Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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417. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will provide details regarding the development of a dignity at work charter in the Irish Prison Service; if a prison-wide dignity and respect campaign has been launched; the date on which she expects information regarding a dignity at work charter to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15656/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Irish Prison Service has a commitment in its current Strategy (2012 - 2015) to develop a Dignity at Work Charter. I am advised by the Director General of the Irish Prison Service that significant staff consultation took place through the holding of 19 focus groups across the Prison Estate. Resulting from these consultations five behaviours were identified by staff as necessary to ensure a dignified work environment. These are Respectful, Supportive, Openness, Competence, Fair & Inclusive behaviours. These principles will be at the heart of what the Irish Prison Service sets out to achieve in the coming years and into the future in all strategic actions.

Five sub groups were then established to develop policies and initiatives to bring about a working environment displaying these behaviours. I am advised that a number of policies have been drafted including Acceptable Behaviour Standard, Anti Graffiti Policy, Competency Framework, Well-Being at Work Policy placing the foundations to the programme.

In recognition of the strategic importance of a positive and inclusive work environment the Director General commissioned an Independent Interim Report on the programme which was published last month and is fully committed to the delivery of this programme.

A number of issues have arisen in respect of the Dignity at Work Programme in recent months and I am advised by the Irish Prison Management that they have at all times continued to engage constantly with the Prison Officers Association on these issues.

In this context the overall objective must remain a working environment which is based on co-operation, openness, equality and respect.