Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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262. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that anti-bullying policies are in place in his Department and in each State body and agency under his aegis; if such polices are being implemented effectively; the amount paid in compensation for bullying claims in each of the past five years in his Department and in each State body and agency under his aegis in tabular form; the action that has been taken to ensure such cases do not arise in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30758/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​My Department is strongly committed to the Civil Service Anti-Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy - Dignity at Work.  Every staff member is made aware that all forms of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment are unacceptable and every member of staff has a duty to behave in an acceptable and respectful manner towards their work colleagues.

On appointment, all staff receive a copy of the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, which sets the standards for their behaviour at work and towards colleagues.  The Code also includes a commitment for staff to observe and support the Dignity at Work Policy.

Staff receive guidance on the Dignity at Work Policy as part of induction training.  All relevant policy documentation, including supports available to staff, can be accessed by staff on the Department's intranet system.  My Department's Human Resources Division also provides advice and support to staff in relation to this policy.

My Department has not made any compensation payments to staff under this policy in the past five years.

I have asked the state agencies under the aegis of my Department to provide the information requested by the Deputy.  If you do not receive a reply from the agencies within ten working days please advise my private office.