Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail)
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284. To ask the Minister for Social Protection 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 has been taken to ensure such cases do not arise in future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30757/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Dignity at Work policy is the anti-bullying, harassment and sexual harassment policy for the Irish Civil Service. This policy came into effect on 20 February 2015 and replaced the previous policy, ‘A Positive Working Environment’. State bodies and agencies under the aegis of this Department have similar policies in place. The Dignity at Work policy sets out the responsibilities all individuals have in ensuring a work environment free of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment. Training on the Dignity at Work policy is provided to new entrants as part of their induction programme. Training is also provided to managers at all levels as part of their management training. The Dignity at Work policy is available to all staff on the Department’s intranet site, Stór. Presentations are also given on the issue in the Departments offices around country by the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service. Representatives from the Human Resources Division in the Departments also provide such presentations.

Any allegations of bullying or harassment are treated very seriously and dealt with in line with the Policy and mediation forms a core part of the response to any complaint.

No compensation where a bullying claim has been upheld has been paid in the last 5 years.