Parliamentary Question: Bullying in the Workplace

8th May 2003

189. Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the measures which his Department takes to address bullying in the workplace, particularly in prisons; the anti-bullying policy in the Prison Service; the mechanisms to make a complaint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12523/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The Department of Finance has issued a Civil Service-wide policy document on harassment, sexual harassment, and bullying entitled A Positive Working Environment which is applicable to all civil servants, including prison officers. It sets out a prompt, fair, confidential and effective redress mechanism for targets of bullying. While it is agreed that the policy outlined in this document should also be applied in the case of prison officers, it is necessary to adopt specific arrangements for prison staff in view of the special statutory arrangements which apply to such staff in relation to potential discipline matters and investigations in relation to same. The final issue of a policy specifically designed for the Prison Service is currently the subject of discussions between management and prison staff associations. The Prison Service has also sought the advice of the Health and Safety Authority in relation to this matter. It is hoped that discussions with the staff associations will be completed shortly.

The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform recognises its obligation to create and maintain a positive working environment where every employee has a right to be treated with dignity and respect. The Irish Prison Service takes a serious view of bullying in the workplace, and is anxious to ensure that any employee found to be engaged in such behaviour faces the full range of disciplinary sanctions available.

The Prison Service leadership has raised awareness of the issue by ensuring that each prison institution has a safety statement in place which is brought to the attention of all staff. This statement includes a section dealing with bullying and harassment in the workplace. The Irish Prison Service has also put on record its support for the dignity at work charter, and a copy of this charter together with the Civil Service policy document referred to above has been circulated to safety co-ordinators and safety representatives at each institution for information pending finalisation of discussions on a specific policy for prison staff and the requisite statutory provisions arising.