Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
236. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence 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. [27669/23]
View answerMy Department does not have a specific anti-racism policy. However my Department adheres to Ireland’s National Action Plan Against Racism 2023-2027, a plan ensuring that everyone, regardless of colour, background or ethnicity, is respected as an individual and judged by the content of their character, not the colour of their skin or their appearance.
My Department operates in line with several different laws in Ireland that protect people from racism including the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 which prohibits discrimination in employment on a number of grounds including race.
The Civil Service Dignity at Work policy, which is strictly adhered to in my Department is in place to ensure that every member of staff has a right to work in an environment free of any form of bullying, harassment, or sexual harassment.
Recruitment for my Department is conducted by the Public Appointments Service (PAS). The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion strategy of PAS is aligned and embedded in their Corporate Strategy NUA 2020-2023.
The only State body under the aegis of my Department is the Army Pensions Board. The Army Pensions Board is an independent statutory body established under the Army Pensions Act 1927 to provide for the payment of pensions, allowances and gratuities in certain circumstances to members of the Defence Forces. The Army Pension Board does not have an anti-racism policy but business is conducted in line with government policies.
