The Department of Agriculture has paid out €81,000 in compensation for bullying claims, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has revealed.

The money was paid out over the past five years, but Minister Creed did not elaborate on the number or details of claims.

He was responding to a Dáil question from Limerick Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins.

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Minister Creed said his Department implements the Civil Service-wide anti-bullying, harassment and sexual harassment policy entitled Dignity at Work.

“I am satisfied that the policy is being implemented effectively throughout my Department. All staff in my Department are reminded annually of their responsibilities under the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, which includes the duty to show due respect for their colleagues at work and to abide by the Civil Service anti-bullying policy,” said the minister.

“Furthermore, all new recruits to my Department are required to familiarise themselves with both the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour and the Dignity at Work policy.”