Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
719. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the steps that are being taken by her Department to implement its equality, diversity and inclusion strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37025/22]
View answerThe Department launched its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy in March 2022. The Strategy aims to strengthen the Department’s capabilities to promote equality, embrace diversity and foster inclusion, not only in our daily interactions and activities as colleagues, but also in the design and delivery of the services that we provide to the public.
To this end, the EDI Strategy prioritises three areas of focus for strategic impact:
- achieve better policy outcomes and improve the accessibility and quality of our services;
- support the development of a skilled and diverse workforce which is reflective of the diversity within our population / country;
- build and embed a workplace culture which facilitates, supports and encourages contributions from all
Each of these strategic outcomes are underpinned by a number of actions which the Department will implement over the life of the EDI Strategy. These actions will be integrated into our business plans including adding appropriate indicators and monitored along with other organisation goals and strategic priorities.
For example, as part of our objective to support the development of a skilled and diverse workforce, training on a range of EDI related areas such as disability awareness, intercultural relations, managing inclusivity will be rolled out and embedded in training programmes and induction. Staff in customer facing roles will also receive training on communication barriers and hidden disabilities through the JAM card initiative.
The Department’s EDI and Public Sector Duty Committee meet three times a year to monitor the implementation of this EDI Strategy. The monitoring process also involves establishing a mechanism to engage with colleagues with lived experience to ensure we are our living up to the aspirations communicated in the Strategy. Over the lifetime of the strategy, there will also be ongoing engagement with relevant external groups and stakeholders. The EDI and PSD Committee will set a timeline for consultation with colleagues with lived experience and external parties at the next meeting, which is due to be held in September 2022.
