Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
142. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit met their obligations under section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 in 2021, including the way that relevant policies and actions are monitored and the way that the obligation is reflected in their annual reports. [41368/22]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing an inclusive work environment for all colleagues. Our Statement of Strategy, Le Chéile 23, is underpinned by the values set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan and is committed to human rights, equality and anti-discrimination. A key action for 2022 arising from this is Ag Obair Le Chéile. This is a comprehensive action plan to develop the Department's people, culture and organisation to deliver, improve and transform the Department, and as part of Ag Obair le Chéile, my Department will develop and deliver a People Strategy in 2022 and adopt a new blended working policy.
My Department’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group was established last year with the aim to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace. This Group is a cross representative group and will play an integral role in driving forward the Department’s vision for inclusion, diversity and equality to create a fairer and more inclusive workspace. My Department, in its dealings with staff, stakeholders and citizens, is committed to the public service ethos of independence, integrity, impartiality, fairness and respect and to ensure that staff are aware of their roles and responsibilities in promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, they undertake mandatory Diversity and Inclusion training on an annual basis.
Senior Management in my Department is committed to eliminate discrimination, promote equality and human rights of our staff and citizens we serve. Work is currently progressing in my Department to comply with section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014 in 2021, to allow my Department to address any issues identified and set out policies, plans and actions. An action plan will be published on the Department’s website to accompany our Statement of Strategy “Le Chéile 23”. Progress and achievements in relation to addressing human rights and equality issues will be reported annually in a manner accessible to the public.
