HSE spent €500k in 19 months on bullying cases

THE HSE has spent more than half a million euro since the start of 2007 investigating bullying allegations and paying out compensation to workers targeted by harassment.

Figures on the level of bullying cases within the administrative section of the HSE have shown that between January 2007 and July 2008 it was forced to spend the massive sum investigating allegations, processing complaints and compensating victims of the abuse.

The figures, which come after an Irish Examiner investigation revealed that Ireland is in the grip of a bullying epidemic in schools and workplaces across the country, were provided to Fine Gael TD Ulick Burke by the HSE’s national director of human resources, Sean McGrath.

And they show that the health service is suffering from an unhealthy bullying undercurrent, with significant amounts of money being spent on non-health service related matters.

According to the figures, over the course of 2007 a total of €364,551 was spent by the HSE on investigating, processing and compensating bullying complaints made.

This figure included a €131,900 bullying expenditure in the HSE West area; €104,000 in HSE Dublin North East; €77,355 in the HSE South; and €51,296 in HSE Dublin mid-Leinster.

In addition to these sums, a further €167,055 has been spent on cases which were still “active” on July 16, 2008, meaning that a huge €531,606 was spent by the HSE in administrating bullying cases in the 19 months between January 2007 and July 2008.

Confirming the figures to the FG TD, Mr McGrath explained: “In cases of alleged bullying, it is always preferable to have the matters resolved internally using the provisions of the dignity at work policy.

“In light of this and given the varying complexities of such cases it is not always possible to put a value on the amount of time spent on each case.

“It is the view of the employer however that dealing with such issues is a function of every manager and therefore the costs incurred are absorbed within the normal salary payment of the person dealing with the matter.”

The Health and Safety Authority of Ireland, which receives up to 200,000 calls a year relating to bullying, has emphasised it can provide free help and advice to people who are the subject of workplace harassment.

“If someone is being bullied and doesn’t want to approach their employer directly, they can come to us,” said a spokesperson.

“We want people to know there is help out there.”