Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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164. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment 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. [31741/22]

Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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165. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment 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 on the property of his Department or 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. [31760/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.

My Department is committed to providing an inclusive and safe work environment for all colleagues. Our Statement of Strategy, Le Chéile 23, is underpinned by the values set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan and is committed to human rights, equality and anti-discrimination. A key action for 2022 arising from this is Ag Obair Le Chéile. This is a comprehensive action plan to develop my Department's people, culture and organisation to deliver, improve and transform the Department.

My Department has in place a number of safeguards for both our staff and members of the public who must attend our offices for services.

The Civil Service has a robust Dignity at Work Policy that promotes respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace and provides the framework for my Department to examine complaints of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment in the workplace.

My Department also operates under Circular 19/2016 Civil Service Disciplinary Code. The purpose of this Code is to set out the arrangements for dealing with disciplinary matters in the Civil Service. It is also to ensure that all civil servants are aware that if there is a failure to adhere to the required standards of conduct, work performance and attendance, the disciplinary procedure set out in this Circular will apply. This procedure will be initiated where a concern arises about the conduct, work performance, and/or attendance of a civil servant. This procedure will provide a fair and efficient process for dealing with any such concern. This Code applies to all civil servants other than new entrants serving in a probationary capacity. The  Guidelines on the Management of Probation in the Civil Service provides the mechanism to address performance issues with new entrant staff.  

These central Civil Service policies are publicly available on the Department of Public Expenditure & Reform's website.

I have asked the bodies under the aegis of my Department to provide the information requested for their organisations directly to the Deputy.