Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2021
82. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the collaborative programmes that are being run between the Department for Education and his Department to promote and build greater tolerance of LGBTQI+ communities in view of the recent burning of a pride flag in the village of Ballon, County Carlow. [36209/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe incident in Ballon was wholly unacceptable. I recently raised the Pride flag in Waterford following a similar incident. I felt really privileged to witness the response of the community there, as they came together to stand with the LGBTI+ community, and showed that local communities really do not tolerate acts like this.
Indeed, over Pride, I live-streamed the Live Out Loud: Celebrating LGBTI+ Youth event from the National Opera House in Wexford, a neighbouring county. I was gladdened at the overwhelming support shown to us by the people of Wexford and Wexford County Council. I have no doubt that Carlow locals would give us the same reception. We were joined in Wexford by young LGBTI+ creators, activists, sportspeople and artists, who showed the nation what a difference it makes for LGBTI+ young people to be able to live openly, freely expressing their true selves. I am encouraging everyone to watch this celebratory event that is available on the RTE Player and join us in celebrating the LGBTI+ youth of Ireland. The Department of Education (DoE) supported the Live Out Loud campaign and event and was represented on a working group to deliver this celebration.
Ireland remains one of the very few countries that have developed a national Strategy to support LGBTI+ young people. The Department of Education was represented on the Oversight Committee that developed the National LGBTI+ Youth Strategy in 2018, a cross-Government strategy led by my Department. Full implementation of this strategy has been one of my key priorities.
My Department is working with the Department of Education and others to implement the Strategy and to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment in schools and colleges throughout the country and across society for every LGBTI+ young person.
The Department of Education is committed to implementing a number of actions under the Strategy including encouraging schools to develop a whole-school policy to include LGBTI+ young people and explore ways to include LGBTI+ lives in the curriculum. It is also encouraging schools to participate in the roll out of the LGBTI+ Welcome Sticker campaign, an initiative that was originally intended for business and youth centres.
In April, the Department of Education published a new School Design Guide for sanitary facilities representing a significant review of the design guidance to ensure ease of access for all, including LGBTI+ young people.
It also provides annual funding to BeLonG To for the annual Stand Up! Campaign in secondary schools. This campaign provides schools with an opportunity to look at how they can make them safe and supportive places for LGBTI+ students, a key element of the Strategy.
My own Department also provides funding to BeLonG To for a range of training for professionals including teachers, as well as for their youth services. We also fund ShoutOut, a charity committed to improving life for LGBTI+ people by educating school students, parents and teachers. ShoutOut delivers workshops in secondary schools, which tackle LGBTI+ bullying.
I am very happy to welcome the various collaborations between my Department and the Department of Education. The outcomes of actions under the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy will be reported on later this year.
