Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There have been a number of recent media reports about the treatment of staff at a college in south Dublin, the Spiritan-run Templeogue College. Last month, two dozen teachers raised concerns about a non-inclusive culture regarding LGBT+ issues and the taking down of a Pride flag in the student canteen. Clearly, we need to ensure staff and students from the LGBT community and minority backgrounds are protected in all schools and that employees are guaranteed equality in their workplaces. The Irish National Teachers Organisation, INTO, has estimated that thousands of its members are still forced to hide their sexuality due to fears of discrimination and that is despite the amendment to the Equality Act introduced on foot of Labour Party initiatives in 2015 which addressed some of the discrimination then possible in faith-based schools. Despite that important amendment, there still remain concerns about treatment of staff, discrimination on the grounds of sexuality and there are, in particular, ongoing issues in Templeogue College. What plans does the Government have to address incidents such as these that have occurred in particular schools? What plans does the Government have to ensure that LGBT+ staff in the education sector can be protected and no longer have to hide their sexuality and who they are? It is a concern to see reports that this behaviour is still going on years after the passage of legalisation in respect of marriage equality and other legislative reform in this area.

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