Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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53. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the provision of an independent ombudsman for members of An Garda Síochána akin to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. [24340/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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An Garda Síochána has a Dignity at Work policy for Garda members entitled 'Working Together to Create a Positive Working Environment'. It outlines the organisation's policy and procedures for dealing with harassment, sexual harassment and bullying in the workplace. The main objective of the policy is to achieve a safe and harmonious working environment that encourages and supports the right to dignity at work. Civilians working in An Garda Síochána are subject to the Civil Service Dignity at Work policy.

I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that a new Bullying and Harassment Strategy is being developed as part of the Modernisation and Renewal Programme 2016-2021. The policy is being developed to ensure that any Garda members and staff experiencing bullying and/or harassment at work will receive the best possible organisational support in dealing with such issues. Garda management have informed my Department that the development of this strategy is progressing and is due to be presented to the Garda Associations and Unions.

The provision of an external third party has proved to be beneficial in resolving these types of complaints on an ad-hoc basis within An Garda Síochána and there would be merit in building external input into the system under development as a final resort for complainants alleging that they have been the victim of bullying or harassment. The Defence Forces Ombudsman is one model. It is a statutory body and legislation would most likely be required to replicate this system for An Garda Síochána. There are other models including the establishment of a panel of experts. In addition, of course it is the case at present that where an allegation of bullying or harassment would amount to a breach of discipline or a criminal office, a member may make a complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.

I have an open mind as to which model is most appropriate for An Garda Síochána provided that whatever changes are made to the current arrangements deliver a system that has the confidence of all concerned.