Leinster House gets new guide to workplace ‘dignity’
OIREACHTAS authorities are settobringinanewsetofprinciples on “dignity and respect in the parliamentary workplace” covering issues like cases of sexual harassment and bullying.
It comes as Fine Gael continues to probe a row between two of its senators and, outside the Dáil, Sinn Féin has been dealing with several disputes involving councillors around the country.
Separately, the Oireachtas Women’s Caucus has written to Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl requesting that a survey of working conditions be carried out.
Its chairman, Green Party TD Catherine Martin TD said: “No workplace is free from stress or occasional conflict, but this survey will reveal if there is a culture of bullying, harassment or sexual harassment in Leinster House.”
The request will be considered by the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, the body that runs the Dáil and Seanad.
Oireachtas staff have been working on drawing up the new Statement of Principles since late last year after high-profile cases of inaptpropriate behaviour emerged in the arts sector.
They are reviewing policies in place in the political parties and have examined parliaments in other jurisdictions for “best practice”.
An Oireachtas spokesman confirmed that a proposed set of principles is to be delivered to the Commission as early as the end of March. The Commission’s members include Oireachtas secretary general Peter Finnegan and Fine Gael parliamentary party chairman Martin Heydon among other TDs and Senators.
The commission has already agreed that the Oireachtas “should adopt common standards to promote the maintenance of a respectful workplace”.
Fine Gael bosses are continuing to probe allegations made by Senator Catherine Noone about the conduct of a male colleague who she has accused of “talking down to her”. Party officials hope the dispute can be resolved quickly.