Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
283. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the way his Department and public bodies and agencies under his remit fulfil their obligations under section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34855/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is fully committed to promoting a fair and equal workplace for our people and, in particular, to our obligations under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.
Equality and respect for human rights are fundamental values of my Department both as a policy objective and in the performance of its functions. The fostering of a positive working environment is a guiding principle for the implementation of our strategic objectives. My Department’s HR Strategy 2019-2022 included ‘Building a Positive, Diverse and Innovative Workplace’ as one of its four goals. This inclusion aligns both with my Department’s values and with the central Irish Civil Service Renewal Plan and underscores our commitment to fostering equality and respect for human rights in the Department’s workplace. Under our Customer Service Charter, we are committed to treating everyone fairly and impartially. We also require that our staff be treated with respect.
A key governance structure for the fulfilment of our obligations under the 2014 Act is the Management Board Sub-Committee on Gender, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (GEDI), which is chaired by two members of the Management Board. The Sub-Committee, in cooperation with Human Resources Division and other units of my Department, progresses initiatives and runs regular events to promote, inter alia, the goals of equality at home and through our Mission network overseas.
My Department is committed to proofing our policies, procedures and services across our business areas to ensure that we comply with our requirements in the area of human rights and equality. To this end, the Statement of Strategy 2021-23 commits my Department to conduct an assessment of the human rights and equality issues relevant to its functions. This will enable us to identify further concrete actions that can be taken to ensure that we comply with our obligations under the 2014 Act. This work is already underway, with the initial stage focused on our HR policies and practices.
There are no bodies or agencies under the remit of my Department.
