At the Seanad Order of Business on Tuesday 10th March, I  called for an urgent debate on bullying in the workplace.  I told the Seanad that  despite the HSA’s Code of Practice on the ‘Prevention and Management of Workplace Bullying’ and the existence of ‘Dignity at Work’ policies in most organisations, workplace bullying is increasing and at an alarming rate.  I  believe that the time has come to criminalise bullying.  I  also feel that where any working adult takes his/her own life there should be a preliminary investigation to rule out bullying as a contributing factor.  I am   very concerned at the growing anecdotal evidence of employees being forced to work unpaid or excessive overtime.  These practices are occurring in each and every walk of life, from professional practice trainees to trade apprentices and the  growing use of zero hour contracts has provided the bully with the most powerful tool of all times. Bullying is destroying good people, and damaging their personal and family lives. He urges that action be taken now before another life is lost or destroyed.