Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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246. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if bullying or sexual harassment claims have been lodged in her 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 her Department to combat bullying and sexual harassment. [2312/18]

Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that in 2012, there was a bullying complaint investigated and upheld in my Department. Appropriate action was taken and an agreed protocol was put in place between the parties.

Everyone in my Department is entitled to be treated with respect, dignity and fairness in the workplace. My Department is committed to protecting dignity and respect across the organisation. I am assured that the Dignity at Work Policy – an anti-bullying, harassment and sexual harassment policy for the Irish Civil Service, which came into effect in February 2015, is implemented. The key aims of this policy are to:

- achieve a work environment where dignity and respect are to the forefront of our values

- create an environment where bullying, harassment and sexual harassment are not tolerated in any form

- ensure that each individual is aware of his/her responsibility to behave in a way that reflects a culture of dignity and respect.

The policy aims to promote respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace. Every member of staff in my Department 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.