It is important that every effort is made by public bodies to meet their obligations to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of their employees and everyone affected by their functions and services. For my Department, this has a particular resonance in the context of our dealings with children and young people and the many and varied levels of engagement on issues affecting them.
I can inform the Deputy that officials from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) have been in contact with officials in my Department in relation to the Public Sector Duty arising under Section 42 of the IHREC Act 2014 in the context of the preparation of my Department's draft Statement of Strategy. My Department is reflecting on the obligations arising from this legislative requirement and intends to avail of the assistance and guidance offered by the IHREC on this important issue.
As regards the budgetary process and the Programme for Government commitments, the Deputy will be aware that my Department funds a range of programmes and services for children and young people that are provided on an equal status and gender neutral basis across society. My Department also funds certain targeted schemes which aim to assist particular needs of vulnerable groups. Examples of such targeted schemes include the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) to improve participation of children with disabilities in the ECCE scheme and certain Childcare Supports that aim in particular to support mothers to participate in employment.
