Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
780. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development 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. [11831/20]
View answerMy Department is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion enabling the achievement of equality of opportunity in all employment practices. The Department published its first Human Resources “People Strategy 2019-2021”, in June 2019. Our policy in relation to this is set out under one of the goals of our People Strategy, which is the promotion of an equal, inclusive and diverse workplace, with a number of actions over the period 2019 – 2021 to achieve this aim.
My Department has a designated Disability Liaison Officer in place to assist and support staff with disabilities and their line managers by the provision of necessary information and guidance as needed. Staff are surveyed annually to meet our obligations under the Disability Act 2015, in respect of employment of staff with disabilities and exceeded the 6% target set out in Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024.
DRCD participates regularly in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) Programme, which is a six month paid programme aimed at providing work experience for graduates with disabilities. In addition each December events are held in our offices to promote International Day for People with Disabilities. Disability awareness training will be provided for all staff in 2020.
The Department’s Gender Action Plan is currently being developed in conjunction with staff, to encourage and support gender balance through better career management and development opportunities. The Department is a member of the Civil Service Women’s Network and has membership of the 30% Club Ireland which promote gender balance at senior decision making levels. Events were held in March 2020 to mark International Women’s Day.
In addition my Department is a member of the Civil Service LGBTI+ Network and participated in PRIDE week 2019, and is celebrating PRIDE 2020 during the month of June 2020.
My Department continues to take active measures to promote and advance diversity and inclusion in both the promotion of relevant policies and active engagement with staff to encourage a culture of a diversity and inclusion where all staff are valued in the workplace.
