Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

559. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit that operate in direct contact with members of the public have policies in place for members of the public to report instances of sexual harassment or assault that occur on the property of his Department or each public body and agency under his remit; if so, if these policies are publicly accessible on the relevant website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31736/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Complaints of the nature referenced by the Deputy would be, and are, taken with the utmost seriousness. The primary recourse for any offences of such a particularly serious nature would naturally be matters for investigation by An Garda Síochana in the first instance.

Other complaints would be covered generally under my Department's Customer Complaints procedures which are available on its website at gov.ie - Customer Service (www.gov.ie).

With respect to the bodies under my aegis, I will make arrangements for the matter to be forwarded to them with a view to a direct reply to the Deputy .

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

560. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit have policies in place for employees to report instances of sexual harassment or assault that occur involving other employees or members of the public or on the property of his her Department or each public body and agency that operate under his remit; if so, if these policies are publicly accessible on the relevant website; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31755/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department is committed to promoting and maintaining an inclusive and diverse work environment for all employees and values each employee both for who they are and what they contribute to the work of my Department.

My Department embraces a work environment where each person can be their authentic self at work, be treated equally and fairly and have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards my Department's business goals.

The Civil Service Dignity at Work policy is the anti- bullying, harassment and sexual harassment policy in place for all civil servants. The policy aims to promote respect, dignity, safety and equality in the workplace.

The Dignity at Work policy defines bullying, harassment and sexual harassment and sets out the steps which individuals may take if they believe they have been bullied, harassed or sexually harassed in the workplace. The policy also outlines the recommended complaint procedures which should be followed by individuals in reporting incidents of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment.

The Dignity at Work policy is available for all staff on my Department's intranet (internal website). A copy of the policy is made available to new employees and information around the policy forms part of their Induction programme.

Having policies in place around bullying, harassment and sexual harassment in the State Agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for the Agencies themselves and I have arranged for the Agencies to reply directly to the deputy on this matter.