Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
846. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide details on the measures his Department has taken to implement specific action points (details supplied) of the action plan to support the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021. [40226/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy contains a number of actions, many of which are interrelated. Progress has been made on many actions within the Strategy, while progress on others was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several actions highlighted by the Deputy relate to increased visibility and inclusion, and to the equal treatment of LGBTI+ persons. The Government’s 2021 ‘Live Out Loud’ campaign celebrated LGBTI+ young people, demonstrating their visibility, value, and inclusion in culture, society and sport. A live-streamed celebration of the campaign was broadcast from the National Opera House which featured performances from LGBTI+ young people who creatively told their stories. In 2023, my Department led on the 'Looking Back, Moving Forward' public awareness campaign. The campaign highlighted the experiences and perspectives of LGBTI+ people from diverse backgrounds, recognised the importance of support from allies, friends, family and the people of Ireland; and highlighted challenges for the LGBTI+ community going forward. (Actions 1.2 and 1.4)
In March 2023, my Department established an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Working Group. The remit of the Working Group is to review the current DCEDIY draft Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and action plan, develop EDI initiatives to raise awareness of EDI challenges and take positive actions to build a culture that champions EDI. When the work of this group has progressed sufficiently, further consideration will be given to relevant actions in this area, as appropriate. (Actions 2.2, 2.4, 3.2 and 12.2)
The Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty is a statutory provision, which requires public bodies to promote equality, protect human rights and eliminate discrimination in the performance of their functions. All Departments are required to take this into account when developing their Statement of Strategy and related policy. My Department is currently undertaking a review of the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy, which will inform the development of its successor, guided by human rights-based principles, reinforced through the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty. (Action 5.1)
Work to draft legislation to prohibit conversion practices in Ireland is a priority for Government this year. Policy deliberations have been informed by a broad range of factors including Trinity College Dublin research on conversion practices in Ireland commissioned by my Department, international research, engagement with relevant Government Departments and an analysis of legislation in other jurisdictions. The Government is carefully considering the underpinning policy matters to ensure that vulnerable members of society are protected from these harmful practices and that necessary and appropriate services for those with concerns in areas of sexual orientation and gender identity are not affected. It is planned that legislative proposals will be brought forward shortly. (Action 24.2)
