Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I also acknowledge the announcement made yesterday by the Taoiseach. I have made my own comments in public since the announcement was made, having worked with him for five years.

This morning we are hearing the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network, GLEN, is to close. Its effective work in lobbying for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual, LGBT, community led to equality legislation, as well as workplace and other protections for LGBT people. It also helped bring about the establishment of civil partnerships and, ultimately, marriage equality. For 29 years it has organised and lobbied on behalf of a community that was for too long in the shadows. Regardless of the events that led to its closure, its contribution to building a more equal society deserves acknowledgement and respect. The programme for Government contains a determination to foster greater social inclusion and empower the LGBT community. What action does the Government intend to take to deliver on this commitment in the programme for Government?

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