Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The vast majority of Irish Prison Service members serve their organisation and the State with integrity each and every day of their careers and we are rightly proud of the jobs they do often under difficult circumstances.

Professionalism and integrity is taught and promoted right from training for new recruits through to each and every rank and grade in the Prison Service.

The prevailing culture in a disciplined organisation like the Prison Service must be one that ensures that there is no tolerance of inappropriate behaviours and that where a person is subjected to such behaviour or witnesses it, they are empowered to speak up.  Where people do speak up, they must be supported and the organisation must deal firmly with perpetrators.  Central to this is the organisation's Codes of Ethics, which includes the commitment for each member to support, encourage and facilitate speaking up and reporting wrongdoing at every level in the organisation.  

Employees of the Irish Prison Service have a number of mechanisms with which to raise complaints, primarily under the Civil Service Disciplinary Code and the Dignity at Work Policy.  Employees of the Irish Prison Service also have access to the Civil Service Grievance Procedure and normal industrial relations processes if the complaint relates to their terms and conditions of employment.

The Human Resources Directorate of the Irish Prison Service progresses complaints received from staff, where bullying, harassment or sexual harassment is alleged, under the Irish Prison Service Dignity at Work Policy. However, complaints may proceed directly to be dealt with under the Civil Service Disciplinary Code.

I have also been assured that all complaints raised under that policy are treated, fairly and in the strictest confidence. Furthermore, complaints which are upheld may then be pursued as a disciplinary issue, in accordance with the provisions of the Disciplinary Code.

If the treatment or behaviour amounts to criminal conduct, I would encourage people to report this to Gardaí regardless of who the perpetrator was or where it happened.

The Prison Service Dignity at Work Policy aims 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; and;provide awareness regarding the steps which individuals may take if they feel that they have been bullied, harassed or sexually harassed.

Under the Dignity at Work Policy, the resolution of matters complained of can, where appropriate, be through local resolution, mediation, investigation or a combination of all three.

All Recruit Prison Officers receive training on the Dignity at Work Policy which outlines their, and their colleagues’, rights to work in an environment free from bullying, harassment and sexual harassment and the options available in the event that they feel they have been bullied or harassed. Training on this matter also forms part of the Continuing Professional Development of employees of the Irish Prison Service. 

The Irish Prison Service has planned a cultural audit for later this year which will have an important role to play in highlighting any cultural issues in the organisation and in providing a basis for actions to address any issues that emerge.

In addition, there are a number of support provided for employees of the Prison Service and staff are encouraged to avail of these supports which include:

• the HR Governor and Staff Support Officers at the prison locations;
• the Employee Assistance Service at a national level;
• Inspire Workplaces, a free confidential counselling service giving employees support on a range of personal and work-related issues, and
• a free and anonymous text helpline funded by the HSE.

Also, it is important to emphasise that the Irish Prison Service makes every effort to provide a safe working environment in accordance with health and safety legislation. While the Irish Prison Service currently uses an internationally recognised framework for managing health and safety, this system is currently in the process of being upgraded to the latest standard in line with best practice.