Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
201. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the action his Department has taken to honour the Programme for Government pledge to ensure that Government Departments and public bodies take positive steps, including the use of correct pronouns and, where possible, making improvements on official forms, to assist non-binary people. [35839/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department is deeply committed to the Civil Service values of equality, fairness and respect and is an equal opportunities employer.
As outlined in our Customer Charter, my department is fully committed to delivering the highest quality of service and equality of treatment to all customers.
This commitment is also recognised in the department's Public Sector Duty Assessment and Action Plan which is published under Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) Act 2014. A revised Public Sector Duty Assessment and Action Plan will be published shortly.
To date, 274 employees have received disability awareness training and 206 employees have undertaken the equality and human rights in the public service training course co-designed with IHREC for the public service.
My department is currently developing a new employee Wellbeing and Inclusion Strategy. This strategy will promote a positive working environment where all employees can feel welcomed, heard, and fairly recognised and rewarded. My department is also seeking to achieve accreditation for our equality, diversity and inclusion policies and practices from the Irish Centre for Diversity.
Furthermore, my department supports networks established by employees of the department such as the LGBTQ+ Network, Pride@Transport and the Disability Awareness and Support Staff Network. My department supports PRIDE month and has been represented at the annual PRIDE parade since the civil and public service began participating in the parade in 2019 under the theme ‘Proud to Work for Ireland’.
