Members of Fórsa’s Donegal Local Government Branch have been told to limit contact with a county councillor on staff welfare grounds. The instruction followed recent allegations made against individual council staff and statements on social media. The councillor is currently suspended from the council.

In a letter to members issued last week (Thursday 10^th February), branch chair Marie Little advised that the branch committee had agreed to direct all members not to engage on an individual basis with the councillor.

This includes no individual engagement by staff members by telephone or in person. Marie advised that the instruction was effective immediately and will be reviewed as the situation develops further.

Fórsa assistant general secretary Richy Carrothers said the union continues to engage with management about protecting staff. “We will ensure that the employer fully meets their obligations in the protection of workers in the fulfilment of their duties,” he said.

On the same day that Fórsa issued the instruction, the council’s chief executive John McLaughlin told staff: “Respect is the cornerstone of the way in which Donegal County Council conducts its work. Unless we treat each other with respect, we cannot function properly and do the work that we are charged with doing for the people of Donegal.”

He added: “Staff are not expected to put up with bullying and harassment while carrying out their work duties. They will be fully supported by council management in withdrawing from the situation and will not provide a service to those who are behaving in a threatening manner. Service will not be restored to the individual until the matter is addressed.”