Written answers

Thursday, 16 June 2022

Department of Defence

Departmental Policies

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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370. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department and public bodies and agencies that operate under his remit 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. [31738/22]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department does not have public offices involving regular interface with members of the public. However, at all times my Department employees must operate within the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour which sets out the standards required of civil servants in the discharge of their duties. In the performance of their duties, civil servants must maintain high standards in service delivery by, amongst other standards, always acting within the law and performing their duties with efficiency, diligence and courtesy. A civil servant must observe appropriate behaviour at work by dealing with the public sympathetically, fairly and promptly. The work of the Civil Service is carried out within a framework of law. It is the duty of civil servants to respect these legal constraints, in particular never to act in a manner which they know, or suspect, is illegal, improper, or unethical. Any report from a member of the public alleging improper conduct including sexual harassment or assault occurring on the property of my Department will be examined within this code. If the member of the public alleges any breach of the law, they may contact An Garda Siochána directly.

The Civil Service code of Standards and Behaviour is widely available on the internet.

The only State body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board and the only staff post is the secretary to the Board, which is provided from the staff of the Department.

Furthermore, I am advised by the military authorities that where a complaint of unacceptable behaviour is made by a civilian against a member of the Defence Forces or where an allegation is made by a member of the Defence Forces against a civilian, the Military Police will automatically refer the case to An Garda Siochána.

Photo of Holly CairnsHolly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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371. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence 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 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. [31757/22]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department employees are supported in working in a safe, inclusive environment through a Dignity at Work policy. The Policy is provided to all new staff joining my Department and is posted on the Department's Intranet as well as being communicated directly to all staff on an annual basis. This policy applies equally to the civil servants and the civilian employees of my Department.

This policy sets out the guidelines for both employer and employee in relation to reporting instances of sexual harassment or assault involving other employees. There are also additional supports available through the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service (for civil servants)and Inspire Wellbeing and Occupational Social Workers for Civilian Employees.

My Department does not have public offices involving regular interface with members of the public. However, where an employee is subject to an incident of sexual harassment or assault involving a member of the public they will seek the support of their line manager and if necessary, the relevant support service. If the nature of the incident is unlawful, An Garda Siochána can be contacted directly by the employee affected.

The only State body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board and the only staff post is the secretary to the Board, which is provided from the staff of the Department.

Separately, the Deputy will be aware that I have met with both serving and former members of the Defence Forces and listened with grave concern to their experiences of bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct.

I, along with the Secretary General and Chief of Staff, are fully committed to ensuring that every member of the Defence Forces has the right to undertake their duties in a safe environment underpinned by dignity and equality. Any form of such unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated.

While there has been some progress in the Defence Forces in recent years with the establishment of systems, policies and procedures for dealing with unacceptable behavior, it is clear that these systems, policies and procedures, as well as the pervading workplace culture, have not, and are not, serving all Defence Forces personnel well.

The Judge-led Independent Review Group, established by me last January, following Government approval, is examining those very systems, policies and procedures for dealing with workplace issues relating to bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual misconduct in the Defence Forces.

This review is a necessary and critical first step to address the need for a safe work environment for serving members with zero-tolerance for such unacceptable behaviour. The serving members of the Defence Forces expect nothing less.

I wish to add also that the Terms of Reference for the Review are wide-ranging and provide that Government may consider further work on receipt of the Independent Review findings.

The Deputy may also be aware that I also announced last October, interim support measures for members of the Defence Forces impacted by unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.

The appointment of a Confidential Contact Person (CCP) within Raisecaconcern, is available to assist both serving and former members of the Defence Forces and provides a safe place, external to the Defence Forces chain of command, to support the reporting of alleged wrongdoing in the workplace.

Furthermore, I am advised by the military authorities that where a complaint of unacceptable behaviour is made by a civilian against a member of the Defence Forces or where an allegation is made by a member of the Defence Forces against a civilian, the Military Police will automatically refer the case to An Garda Siochana.

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