08 April 2005
An investigation into management practices at Waterways Ireland, a cross-border quango, has concluded that there was a culture of patronage, bullying and secrecy emanating from the chief executive.
The inquiry also concluded that some recruitment and promotion practices within the organisation were 'questionable'.
The review was commissioned by the two sponsoring departments - Northern Ireland's Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Irish Republic's Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs - in response to allegations of bullying by the chief executive.
Allegations of harassment and coaching of favoured job applicants were not upheld, nor were allegations of bullying against particular staff.
But the report expressed 'considerable concern' at the recruitment processes for the director of marketing and communications and the head of marketing administration, both of whom were appointed without open competition, 'which did not accord with best practice in the public sector'.
An independent review of the practices and policies relating to bullying in the organisation is now to be conducted, and further staff training will take place, including for the chief executive, John Martin.
A spokesman for Waterways Ireland declined to comment on the report's findings.
Waterways Ireland promotes the use of Irish canals and rivers.
PFapr2005
