Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
468. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the steps that have been taken to date regarding the Workplace Relations Commission ruling in December 2020 for a comprehensive review of training and information materials and local practices to ensure they are in line with anti-discrimination law due to be completed by the end of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12778/21]
View answerEquality, diversity and inclusion are key priorities for the Defence Organisation. In that regard, the organisation is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all personnel and to ensuring that the principles of equality are reflected in employment policies, procedures and instructions.
These commitments are exemplified in the 2016 Defence Forces Equality Policy and in the Defence Forces Diversity and Inclusion Strategy Statement and Action Plan. Furthermore, the organisation has also recently published its third Action Plan for the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and related resolutions (2020-2024), which sets out the Defence Forces commitment to promoting gender equality as well as strengthening women’s participation and protection across a range of settings, including conflict settings.
The WRC ruling of December 2020 is currently being considered by the military authorities with the intention of ensuring that all of the organisation’s practices, procedures and training are fully aligned and compatible with the provisions of the relevant legislation and that any follow-on actions, will be progressed in line with the timelines set out in the ruling.
