Bullying claims not upheld - Ó Cuív

MINISTER FOR Community Affairs Eamon Ó Cuívhas insisted that the bulk of allegations of bullying and harassment made by a Waterways Ireland employee were not upheld, in the latest airing of the case in the Dáil.

Fine Gael spokesman Michael Ringclaimed those involved in the controversy in the cross-Border body "believe a proper investigation has not been put in place".

Mr Ó Cuív said an investigation in 2005 did not uphold "the bulk of allegations". Courses in relation to bullying were undertaken by all staff including the chief executive officer and an "open and transparent policy on recruitment and promotion" was put in place.

During question time, Mr Ring said that from the Minister's response, "you might believe nothing is wrong in Waterways Ireland. In that event, why did a tribunal award €70,000 in one case and €50,000 in another?

"Jobs are advertised and must be applied for. The Minister thought he could fill the position without it being advertised. That is why compensation is being paid."

There was "great concern in the North with regard to employing people and on the aspect of bullying". He asked what action he had taken as the allegation "is costing taxpayers North and South €120,000 plus legal fees".

Mr Ó Cuív insisted that everything had been done jointly with the North's Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure "so there is no solo run here". The departments had concluded there was "no need for formal disciplinary action against the chief executive" given that the bulk of allegations "had been thoroughly and independently investigated" and were not upheld.

The complainant then took a case to an industrial tribunal. "A compromise was reached in September 2007 that Waterways Ireland would pay €50,000 without admission of liability," Mr Ó Cuív said. "The complainant continues to have a case pending before the High Court in Belfast."

Mr Ring asked of the person "who is creating the problem, why is he in the position he holds? He is being rewarded with bonuses and a job and yet it has so far cost the taxpayers €120,000 with a case pending in the High Court."