Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
304. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11274/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is committed to serving our customers properly, fairly, impartially and with courtesy. This includes ensuring accommodating diversity and ensuring that rights to equal treatment established by equality legislation are upheld in the delivery of our services.
The drafting of legislation in my Department, generally follows the approach set out in Chapters 4 and 5 of the Cabinet Handbook which is available at www.gov.ie/en/publication/05c2e2-cabinet-handbook/ Most Bills and some secondary legislation are drafted by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel (OPC), part of the Office of the Attorney General. My Department works closely with, and takes direction from, that Office in relation to legal advisory and drafting input provided as part of that process. The final wording of any legislation is a matter for the Oireachtas with any subsequent policies reflecting that legislation.
