Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 October 2016
103. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to reflect and deliver on a public duty (details supplied) in the statement of strategy due to be published in October 2016; the way her Department is engaging with the programme for a partnership government commitment to equality and gender proofing in the departmental and budgetary process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28230/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has consulted widely with staff and stakeholders in the ongoing process of drafting its Strategy Statement reflecting the open, collaborative approach specified in the Programme for a Partnership Government. The Statement will reflect the duty which section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014 places on public bodies to have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality and protect the human rights of staff and the persons to whom services are provided. This duty is consistent with the values and core functions of my Department. I understand that the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission will be assisting public bodies to comply with the positive duty, including by producing guidelines and codes of practice.
The development of the Programme commitment to equality and gender proofing in the budgetary process is an ongoing process to drive compliance and quality and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, with assistance from my Department, is currently considering the best way forward to develop these skills across the civil service.
