Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 October 2023
31. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department, or any body under the aegis of his Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue from organisations (details supplied) from 2021 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46753/23]
View answerThe Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to ensuring that the DFA team is reflective of modern Ireland and the people that we serve. Consistent with this, my officials are working to implement the DFA Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan - a priority in the DFA Statement of Strategy. Implementation of the Strategy and Action Plan, and promoting and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace, will enable the Department to continue to deliver strongly across all of our high level goals.
In this context, my Department, and specifically the LGBTQ+ Working Group, engaged with Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) in relation to a lunchtime talk for staff, which took place in January 2021. The talk was presented by the TENI Chair and focussed on the position of Trans people in Ireland and how individuals, and the Department, could work to increase visibility and equality. There were no costs involved.
My Department has not facilitated briefings with BeLongTo during the period 2021 to date.
