Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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74. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if she is satisfied that anti-bullying policies are in place in her Department and in each State body and agency under her aegis; if such polices are being implemented effectively; the amount paid in compensation for bullying claims in each of the past five years in her Department and in each State body and agency under her aegis in tabular form; the action that has been taken to ensure such cases do not arise in future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30754/17]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Dignity at Work is the Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment policy for the Irish Civil Service.  It was introduced in 2015 and succeeded the policy Positive Working Environment which had been in place since September 2005.  Staff have been made aware of the Policy which has also been published on the Department’s Intranet, highlighted in a recent article in the Department’s staff magazine, and discussed at various staff training events.

The policy provides information on the steps which individuals may take if they believe that they have been bullied, harassed, or sexually harassed.  It outlines the recommended procedures which should be followed by all parties in respect of complaints made.  

My Department is committed to upholding the key aims of the policy and to providing a work environment free from any form of bullying, harassment or sexual harassment.  Such behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.  Any complaints or issues raised in this area are treated seriously, fairly and in strict confidence.  Informal resolution and the use of mediation are strongly encouraged and explored before proceeding to formal investigation, and in many instances have proved successful in resolving matters.

My Department has not paid compensation for bullying claims in the last five years.

With regard to the Semi State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, all have had no instances of compensation payments being made over the past 5 years.

In each case the Agency has confirmed that they have a Dignity at Work or Anti-Bullying Policy in place and are committed to providing a positive working environment.  Measures in place include making new staff aware of the policies, provisions of employee assistances services, access to mediation services, and periodic awareness sessions.