Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
700. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice to provide details on the measures her Department has taken to implement specific action points (details supplied) of the action plan to support the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021. [40236/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, in 2020 policy responsibility for the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 transferred from my Department to the Department of Children, Equality, Diversity, Integration and Youth. This includes many of the policy actions previously listed under my Department within the Strategy. However, I am pleased to update the Deputy on the initiatives within my Department which are in line with the actions under the 2019 - 2021 Strategy.
In 2022, my Department published its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy which underlines the importance of this to its mission of a safe, fair, more inclusive Ireland and provides clear milestones and a framework through which it will build on its ambition to be an inclusive organisation that values diversity. This Strategy strengthens the Department’s capabilities to promote equality and embrace diversity and is now the main framework for implementing the specific points in the national action plan, including encouraging and supporting staff networks and celebrating diversity initiatives/ multicultural events as well as to internal communication championing diversity and inclusion.
The Deputy has referenced a number of actions under the 2019 - 2021 Strategy:
My Department organises various events to highlight LGBTI+ visibility such as International Transgender Day Of Visibility. These events are highlighted in updates to staff to build awareness and confidence. In addition, the Department has a very active LGBTI+ Staff Network which organises inclusive events which are open to all. (Action 1.2)
My Department and its Network plays an active leadership role in Dublin Pride each year, encouraging participation by all colleagues. This year, the Department of Justice choir (JustCór) marked Pride 2023 with a cross Departmental event, Sing with Pride which gathered singers, choirs and members and allies of the LGBTI+ community from across the Civil Service, to perform together during Pride month. (Action 1.4)
My Department is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace reflective of Irish society, where all individuals feel valued, included and respected, and much work has been done in embedding a culture of inclusiveness throughout the Department and its agencies and offices. An Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Public Sector Duty Committee chaired at Deputy Secretary General level leads co-ordination and drives action in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all the Department’s work. (Action 2.2)
The Committee monitors progress of all EDI Strategy actions and provides regular updates to staff including in relation to LGBT+ matters. In addition, an EDI module is included in all new starter induction and leadership training, and the LGBT+ network is also promoted. (Action 2.2)
The Department of Justice LGBTI+ Network was established in 2018 and has recently been shortlisted for a GALAS award which recognises individuals, companies and organisations for their outstanding work and contributions to the LGBT+ community. (Action 2.4)
A draft EDI screening tool is currently being piloted, which will facilitate the Department to proof/audit the preparation of policy and legislation to take account of their impacts on EDI. (Action 5.1)
The Committee is currently developing a gender identity and expression policy and is co-ordinating with other Departments across the civil service in this regard. The purpose of the policy is to provide information, guidance and support to an employee who may wish to transition or affirm their gender in the workplace, while ensuring they feel supported and that any discrimination is prevented. (Action 12.2)
Since the transfer of functions in 2020, Action 24.2 is now under the remit of the Department of Children, Equality, Diversity, Integration and Youth. Work to draft legislation to prohibit conversion practices in Ireland is a priority for Government this year. Policy deliberations have been informed by a broad range of factors including Trinity College Dublin research on conversion practices in Ireland commissioned by that Department, international research, engagement with relevant Government Departments and an analysis of legislation in other jurisdictions. The Government is carefully considering the underpinning policy matters to ensure that vulnerable members of society are protected from these harmful practices and that necessary and appropriate services for those with concerns in areas of sexual orientation and gender identity are not affected. It is planned that legislative proposals will be brought forward shortly. (Action 24.2)
