Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
805. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Justice the action her 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. [35833/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department plays a central role in underpinning and sustaining a democratic society and our mission is working for a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland.
The Department has made a strong commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace reflective of Irish society, where all individuals feel valued, included and respected, and much work has been done in embedding a culture of inclusiveness throughout the Department and its agencies and offices.
The Department has established an Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Public Sector Duty Committee chaired at Assistant Secretary level, to co-ordinate and drive action in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department published its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy in 2022, and the Committee oversees the implementation of actions within that Strategy related to workplace culture, the creation of a diverse workforce, the provision of quality accessible customer services and better policy outcomes.
The Committee is currently developing gender identity and expression guidance and is co-ordinating with other Departments across the civil service in this regard.
In addition, my Department has an LGBT+ Staff Network who have recently conducted a staff survey in order to better understand LGBT+ members of staff including gender identification preferences.
