Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
373. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment 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. [35826/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, as a public body my Department has a duty to eliminate discrimination, promote equality and protect the human rights of staff and the people availing of its services.
In February my Department published its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement, which sets out the principles we work by, and the actions we undertake, to ensure compliance with this legislation and ensure we are promoting equality, diversity and inclusion as an employer and public body.
Under this Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement my Department affirms that it does not discriminate on the grounds of an individual’s gender, gender identity and/or gender expression: female, male, non-binary; or where an individual is in the process of gender transition or where an individual has completed this reassignment or undergoing any associated medical supports.
Further to the publication of this Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement, we are developing our first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, which will set out a vision for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in this Department and how that will be effected for both customers and staff of the Department. This Strategy will be completed by year end. The Department currently holds the 'investors in diversity silver award' from the Irish Centre for Diversity.
