Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
10. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department has a diversity and inclusion policy in place; the measures taken to promote diversity and inclusion from 1 January 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11822/20]
View answerMy Department is fully committed to equality of opportunity and this is a fundamental value espoused in its People Strategy. Civil servants in my Department are recruited through the Public Appointments Service, which has diversity as a central element in its recruitment practices.
The officials in my Department are supported in working in a safe, inclusive environment through a Dignity at Work policy and through a range of learning and development opportunities, including unconscious bias training. There are also additional supports available through the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service and the Department Disability Liaison Officer.
Through its various policies and strategies, the Defence Forces are taking all reasonable steps to provide an inclusive workplace environment, free from harassment, intimidation and bullying and where dignity and respect are afforded to all. In addition, a Transgender Policy Working Group has been established and is currently progressing the development of a Transgender Employment Policy for the Defence Forces.
A Committee, led by the Department of Justice and Equality, has being established to oversee and monitor progress on the implementation of the LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021. Nominees from the Department and the Defence Forces have been appointed to this Committee, which I understand is expected to have its first meeting later this month.
