HARASSMENT CLAIMS ‘MUST BE DISCLOSED’

THE Government must release a breakdown of sexual harassment claims and settlements made against public sector bodies, it was claimed yesterday.

Sinn Fein’s Caoimhghin O Caolain said it would highlight “where there are areas of particular concern” within the public sector.

The comments from the chairman of the Dail’s justice committee come after the State Claims Agency already refused to publish details.

They insisted it would affect “the State’s ability to defend claims or adhere to confidentiality requirements”.

Speaking on RTE’S This Week, Mr O Caolain said he hopes Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan will join him in calls for the information to be released. He added: “I don’t think it’s fanciful to suggest the State Claims Agency is a repository of what I would believe to be crucial information regarding the instances of despicable behaviour by some within our public service.

“The release of statistics on such cases would shine a light on at least the reported incidents across the public sector.

“It might also highlight areas of concern warranting systemic address.”

Barrister Claire Bruton also told the RTE show there is no reason the agency couldn’t legally release the data, once each case was made anonymous.