Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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250. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the proposed timeframe for and the details of the LGBT inclusion strategy announced by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41747/17]

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Work on the National LGBTI Inclusion strategy has already commenced. While I am not currently in a position to give details of the exact timeframes, the next phase will be to consult with key groups and stakeholders. A comprehensive public consultation process will play a key role in producing a strategy that is fit for purpose and resonates with members of the LGBTI community in Ireland.

My view, at this stage, is that this Strategy will identify specific areas of society and policy (e.g., sports and health) areas in which difficulties are still seen as presenting for LGBTI people. The key question here is not what more we need to do on legislation, but how do we work to change those negative attitudes, that still remain in some sections of society.

The high level objective of the proposed Strategy has been tentatively stated as to bring about the necessary changes in society so that being LGBTI is unremarkable and that LGBTI people are valued throughout society. Discussion will focus on (a) setting out the overall objective, (b) defining the necessary preconditions for achievement of that objective and, then (c) agreeing detailed actions necessary to achieve those preconditions.

As you may know, in our current Programme for Government, we included a commitment to produce an LGBT+ Youth Strategy that is being developed separately by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. I am advised that good progress is being made on that Strategy.