Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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128. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills her views on the anti-bullying policies of the education and training boards; the policies in place to ensure employee consultation in the drafting of these policies; the frequency at which they are reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25815/15]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The current "Bullying Prevention Policy – Complaints Procedure for ETB Staff" was agreed by the ETBI/Unions' Consultative Forum. The policy has been implemented in the sector since 1 September 2013. It replaced a Code of Practices for Dealing with Bullying and Harassment, issued in September 2006.

The ETBI/Unions' Consultative Forum provides a forum through which the discussion and drafting of agreed policies and procedures applicable to the ETB sector is facilitated. The Forum comprises nominees from relevant stakeholders including management and unions. The Forum is the architect of nationally agreed policies and procedures currently in place in the ETB sector. It reviews the policies and procedures as required and is the channel through which issues of interpretation and clarification are addressed.

Each Education and Training Board is responsible for implementing policies to counter bullying and harassment in the workplace. ETBs are not required to report incidents of bullying and harassment to my Department.

A copy of the policy and accompanying guidance notes are available on www.etbi.ie.