Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 June 2023
201. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform 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. [31815/23]
View answerThroughout my time in Ministerial positions, I have been wholeheartedly committed to the positioning of equality and inclusivity as vital to the modern workplace, as articulated in the Civil Service Renewal Strategy 2030.
My Department is committed to further developing a positive, accepting and supportive work environment where every employee is treated with dignity and respect.
An example of our commitment to LGBT+ inclusion, is the formation, in 2019, of the FinPER Pride Network, which is comprised of staff from both the Department of Finance and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. 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, provided T-Shirts for staff members who chose to participate in the Dublin Pride March on the 24th of June. These cost €415.74 inclusive of VAT. Together with colleagues from other Departments, this allowed participants to visibly represent the Civil Service.
Ireland is today a more welcoming place for LGBT+ people than it once was. I believe that this is primarily thanks to individual people coming out and sharing their authentic selves with their families, friends and communities. I also believe many of these people in turn have found this an easier experience than it would otherwise have been, when they have known they have the sincere and committed support of inclusive workplaces.
This is why I was proud to march myself with the staff in my Department, as well as with my own Fine Gael party’s LGBT group at Dublin Pride 2023. I will continue to foster a positive and inclusive working environment in my own Department where every individual feels welcomed and respected.
