AN INTERNAL survey for the State’s Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has found the vast majority of its staff believe it is “divided, poorly run, secretive, rumour-driven and fragmented”.
The confidential survey, a copy of which has been seen by The Irish Times, found there was a "strong perception" among staff of "inequity" and a "predominant view that equality and fairness are not promoted".
Morale is reported to be “extremely low” and staff believe there is a “lack of transparency with regard to expenses, opportunities and perks, particularly for senior staff”.
It records a “perception” of “positive bias” towards staff with a Naval Service background “ in particular”. “Rumour and poor communication structures, coupled with a perceived lack of transparency, have a very negative impact,” the report says.
The 24-page document, dated May 2009, was produced by Joe Wolfe and Associates. The consultancy was commissioned by the SFPA board to conduct an employee opinion survey in April, 2009.
The document stated the purpose was to “assess how all employees view the authority and all aspects of the employee relationship” as the SFPA board wished to “enhance its understanding of the attitudes and perceptions of staff within the authority”. It said the SFPA board was intent on “using this report as a platform for development”, and had committed in advance to a “full and frank publication of the findings of the survey to all employees”.
Some 103 questionnaires were circulated to staff, and a total of 92 returned completed. The consultants note this is an “exceptional response rate” and “can be taken as being fully representative”.
The SFPA was established by the Government under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 and designed to be independent of both Government and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in monitoring the EU Common Fisheries Policy, fish quality and food health.
It has had an uneasy relationship with the industry in past years, due to a perception it was targeting landings of Irish vessels only in Irish waters. Last year, its office in Clonakilty, Co Cork, was picketed by fishermen at a time of fuel price rises.
However, the SFPA said it intended to make a “fresh start” later last year and said its aim had always been to adopt a partnership approach with the industry.
In a statement to The Irish Timesyesterday, the SFPA chairman Peter Whelan said: "With investment in people's potential and service improvements limited by the current economic situation, and with job opportunities at a minimum, the facility to change job roles has reduced. As a result, some employees may feel trapped. Motivating staff to do the job required of them is of paramount importance to all organisations."