Gender Recognition

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2018

Wednesday, 14 February 2018

Questions (93)

Joan Burton

Question:

93. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has prepared written guidelines for staff and the public for dealing with transgender matters; if they are published; if staff have received training in respect of this; if his Department is participating in or making a submission regarding the review being undertaken in respect of the operation of the Gender Recognition Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7566/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

A Civil Service wide Dignity at Work policy was developed in 2015 in partnership between Civil Service management and staff unions throughout the Equality Sub Committee of General Council. This policy aims to promote respect, dignity, safety and equality in the workplace and advises that every member of staff has a duty to behave in an acceptable and respectful manner. The policy was rolled out to all Department of Defence staff in 2015.

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, which has responsibility for Civil Service Human Resources policy, has not issued guidelines in relation to transgender matters and my Department does not have a stand-alone policy in this area.