Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
191. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department purchased or produced any memorabilia such as pens, stationery, pins, badges, mugs or other types of souvenirs to mark or celebrate Pride 2023; if so, the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31809/23]
View answerMy Department is committed to a supportive and inclusive working environment for all staff and in conjunction with organisations across the Civil and Public service participated in Pride 2023 under the banner of ‘Proud to Work for Ireland’. The Department’s participation was coordinated by a voluntary staff Network which aims to support LGBT+ colleagues.
The FinPER Pride Network was formed by staff from both the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in 2019. The network is one of the many LGBT+ Networks established in organisations across the Civil and Public Service. The establishment of the Network followed on from the publication of the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019 -2021 which aimed for the establishment of a Civil and Public Service wide LGBT+ Employee and Ally Network.
To mark Pride 2023 the Network, with the support of my Department, purchased lanyards for all staff at a cost of €590 inclusive of VAT at 23%. T-Shirts were also purchased for staff members who participated in the Dublin Pride March on the 24th of June. These cost €831 inclusive of VAT at 23%. Together with colleagues from other Departments, this allowed participants to visibly represent the Civil Service.
