Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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53. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if bullying or sexual harassment claims have been lodged in his Department in each year since 2011; if so, the number of either complaints on an annual basis, in tabular form; if these complaints have been investigated; the outcome of each investigation; and the policies in place in his Department to combat bullying and sexual harassment. [2317/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Department examines all formal complaints made to its Human Resources Unit no matter what category they fall under. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s processes for dealing with bullying, sexual harassment and related complaints are outlined in the 2015 “Dignity at Work” policy – an anti-bullying, harassment and sexual harassment policy for the civil service. The policy aims to promote respect, dignity, safety and equality in the workplace. Prior to 2015, such complaints were dealt with under the “Positive Working Environment” policy.

Since 2011, the HR Unit of the Department has conducted or facilitated formal investigations into a small number of complaints under the specific categories mentioned. Where complaints were found to be upheld appropriate disciplinary action was taken in accordance with the Civil Service Disciplinary Code.

Due to the small number of complaints, it would not be appropriate for the Department to provide additional details including on investigations and outcomes as doing so could potentially identify the individuals in question.