Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
420. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if his Department has a diversity and inclusion policy in place; the measures taken to promote diversity and inclusion from 1 January 2019 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11827/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is fully committed to creating a workplace and to delivering services that are completely free of discrimination of any kind and which uphold the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion.
The Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour, the Civil Service Dignity at Work Policy and the Civil Service Code of Practice for the Employment of People with Disabilities apply to the staff of the Department of Health. In line with these policies, every member of staff has been made aware of their duty to behave in an acceptable and respectful manner and of their responsibility to create a working environment in which differences are respected and in which all staff can be their authentic selves.
The staff of the Department are recruited through the Public Appointments Service which is actively responding to changes in Irish society to reflect the communities we serve and is strongly committed to equality of opportunity in all its employment practices.
The Department has a dedicated Disability Liaison Officer who promotes awareness of disability and the needs of people with disabilities among staff, who supports and assists staff with a disability and who reports annually to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the employment of people with disabilities.
Diversity and inclusion information is regularly shared on the Department’s staff intranet, for example highlighting International Women’s Day, International Men’s Day, International Day for People with Disabilities and LGBTQ Pride events.
The Department has a Gender Balance Action Plan which aims to improve the balance of women in the Department, in particular at senior levels.
Some specific actions undertaken in the Department since 1 January 2019 to promote diversity and inclusion include:
- The Department’s Statement of Our Values and Behaviours was developed in collaboration with staff in the Department and aims to promote standardised behaviours that have the potential to positively impact interpersonal relationships and foster a collaborative working environment.
- Staff of the Department participated in the 2019 Dublin Pride parade.
- A lunch and learn session for all staff was held to commemorate International Men’s Day.
- Unconscious Bias Workshops have been provided to staff.
- The Department has participated in the WAM (Willing, Able, Mentoring) and Job Shadow initiatives by providing work placements to people with disabilities.
- The Department participated in the ‘North East Inner City’ Transition Year (TY) Placement Programme in February 2020. Eight TY students (two with visual impairments) joined the Department for one week’s work experience.
- One-to-one executive coaching is available to female senior managers returning to work following maternity leave, to support their transition back into the workforce and work-sharing has been facilitated for staff at senior level.
