College pays out €840k to fight bullies

“A leading institute of technology has spent more than €840,000 in dealing with complaints of bullying and harassment since 2000. One out-of-court settlement amounted to €54,450. The monies were spent on the administration of eight formal complaints of bullying or harassment lodged with the institute. No informal complaints were made since 2000. The total cost since 2000 included €340,246 on legal fees, €140,778 on investigation/mediation fees, €291,909 on stenography services, €450 on medical expenses and €13,357 on the hire of facilities. This amounted to €786,740. One complaint of bullying or harassment was made in 2000, four in 2002, one in 2004, one in 2005 and one in 2006. The out-of-court settlement was paid out in 2006, and the institute has not paid out any money in relation to court settlements …” (more)

[Fiona Dillon, Herald, 26 March]

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