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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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The Houses of the Oireachtas’ aim is to be a fully inclusive parliament, reflecting the diversity of the country we serve.  If you are an elected member, a staff member, an in person or online visitor we aim to provide you with a parliamentary experience that is founded on the principles of openness and inclusion.

A culture of inclusivity

Creating a culture of inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.  We believe that working together, cross-organisationally is the greatest agent of inclusion.

We also know that focusing on specific programmes and projects can be another important way of making sure the diversity of our country is reflected in the Houses of the Oireachtas Service.  

We are especially proud of two of our projects that we run in house – The OWL Programme and the Autism Friendly Parliament Programme.  Having these two projects at the heart of parliament show how proactive we are in developing new and innovative inclusive practices.  

OWL programme

The Oireachtas Work Learning (OWL) programme is an applied learning, development and socialisation programme for young adults with an intellectual disability.

An autism-friendly Parliament

Achieving accreditation as an autism-friendly workplace was a positive step towards making the physical and sensory environment in Leinster House accessible to all.

Irish Sign Language (ISL)

Explore how our use of Irish Sign Language improves accessibility and opens parliamentary business in Leinster House to more people than ever before. 

Pride + Parliament

The Oireachtas has played a key role in legislating for equality within Irish society, including the rights of the LGBT+ community.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

We launched our very first EDI Strategy in 2024, and are currently developing our 2025-27 one, which will build on the successes of the past.  

Accessibility

From physical accessibility to digital access we are always striving to improve accessibility within the HOS, including improving experiences for all members of our community. Please contact our access officer, Michael O’Brien, if you need assistance when visiting Leinster House.

Key people in our work towards equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) officer
Access officer
Disability liaison officer (DLO)
Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreters
Oireachtas TV access liaison officer

Contact us

EDI officer

Ann-Marie D'Souza

(01) 618 3971

edi@oireachtas.ie

Access officer

Michael O'Brien

michael.obrien@oireachtas.ie

(01) 618 4556

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