Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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18. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the status of her Department’s strategy to promote equality as per the terms of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7619/17]

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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This question refers to the Department's strategy to promote equality, as per the terms of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act that creates an obligation on a public body to have regard to the need to promote equality was something I dealt with in the Seanad. I accepted an amendment because I thought it would a very useful power for the Irish Human Rights and Quality Commission to possess. In conversations with the chair of the body, she confirmed that it is very useful legislation. The then Senator and now Minister, Deputy Zappone, introduced the amendment.

My Department undertook a consultation process on the development of a new statement of strategy, with a deadline of September 2016 for receipt of submissions. It was published on 14 February and its contents reflect the positive duty obligation. It provides a great opportunity for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Department. One can view the new women's strategy in that context. There is engagement with the community. I have attended some of the consultations on the development of the new women's strategy. The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, also has responsibility in this area and has pursued a number of initiatives in respect of disability.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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We submitted these questions last week. As the Minister said, she only published her strategy on 14 February. We have been somewhat busy for the past few days, as the Minister can imagine. I have not had a chance to read it.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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We have been busy too.

Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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I can imagine. When I read it, I will come back to the Minister with questions. The change in legislation and the positive promotion of equality is something everyone would welcome. I will read the strategy from the Minister's Department which was only published on Tuesday.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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A number of other initiatives come under the positive duty to promote equality. Last week we launched the integration strategy which has been widely welcomed by groups working on integration around the country. It is important that we have a strong integration policy because if we do not we will build up problems for the future. It is a very comprehensive integration strategy.

I mentioned the women's consultation, which has been ongoing. There are a number of other initiatives relating to combating domestic and gender-based violence. The Deputy will be familiar with the campaign I have spoken about in the House. It is a €6 million campaign over five years to combat sexual and domestic violence. That comes under the Deputy's points on a positive duty to promote equality and deal with areas where there are very serious problems in Ireland.