Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Howlin for his comments about the Taoiseach and his words yesterday. I am aware of the report and announcement made by GLEN on its status, specifically the decision it has made to pursue an orderly winding up of its activities. I also acknowledge the contribution it has made to social progress in our country and the way in which it looked to progress an agenda that we all now accept needed to be done was exemplary. The former Senator, Ms Jillian van Turnhout, was involved with an independent review of the organisation and the charities regulator is independent of the Government; it will take whatever action it sees fit. The Deputy asked about services and my view is that our current objective should be to ensure the valuable services provided by GLEN continue to be provided, given that the organisation will not be around.

My colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Stanton, and the Department of Justice and Equality are involved in drafting an LGBTI strategy which will be published. We hope it will provide a forum for ensuring that the services, advocacy and support which GLEN provided will be continued, albeit not through it.

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