Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
202. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if his Department, and public bodies and agencies under his remit, have an anti-racism policy which can be accessed by the public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27672/23]
View answerMy Department is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all colleagues, stakeholders, and citizens. Our Statement of Strategy, Le Chéile 23, is underpinned by the values set out in the Civil Service Renewal Plan. A key action arising from this is our corporate strategy 'Ag Obair Le Chéile' which aims to develop our people, culture and organisation.
As part of Ag Obair le Chéile, my Department has developed an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan that will be launched in the coming month. The strategy and action plan aims to promote an inclusive and diverse workplace recognising all protected characteristics including race. 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 this they undertake mandatory Equality, Diversity and Inclusion training on an annual basis.
The Civil Service has a range of robust policies that promotes respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace and these policies provide the framework within which my Department operates. These central Civil Service policies are publicly available on the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform's website.
The information requested regarding the agencies under the aegis of my Department is an operational matter for each Agency. I will request the relevant bodies to reply directly to the Deputy with the information requested in respect of their organisation.
