Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 May 2017
109. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if there are schemes within her Department which provide funding for the LGBT community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19227/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn my role in the Department of Justice and Equality, I have responsibility for equality, including specifically relating to members of the LGBTI community in Ireland.
Since the marriage equality referendum, my Department has overseen the enactment of the Marriage Act 2015, gender recognition legislation and the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015 which provides for the most comprehensive reform of family law since the foundation of the State. These are huge steps forward for all concerned. However, while formal and legislative equality for LGBTI people has been achieved, much remains to be done throughout society.
For this reason, my Department will commence work on a new national LGBTI Inclusion Strategy in the coming months. That Inclusion Strategy will identify specific areas of Irish society and policy in which difficulties are still seen as presenting for LGBTI people. It will dovetail with the commitment in the current Programme for Government to bring forward an LGBT+ Youth Strategy, on which work has already commenced. Both Strategies will identify specific actions to be implemented to address the outstanding challenges arising for LGBTI people in this country.
While there is currently no specific subhead in my Department's funding specifically allocated to LGBTI community, funding is available from my Department for organisations under various other headings including integration and victim support. Relevant applications under such schemes may be made by organisations representing LGBTI persons.
