Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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259. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to implement the recommendations of the Sometimes I'm Missing the Words report by Maynooth University and an organisation (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35089/22]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As I have said previously, bias, inequality and racism have no place in our societies. I very much welcomed the report by Maynooth University when it was published by the Irish Penal Reform Trust in April.

I can assure the Deputy that the recommendations made in the Report are currently being examined by officials in my Department and in the relevant agencies with a view to informing future practice and operations.

As the Deputy may be aware, a range of equality, diversity and integration measures are already in place across key criminal justice sector bodies including An Garda Síochána, the Irish Prison Service and the Probation Service. This is consistent with the obligations which exist under the Public Sector Human Rights duty, and with a view to delivering fair and accessible services. These important measures and initiatives are kept under review and there is ongoing work being done in this regard.

Finally, earlier this year my Department published its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy which provides a focus for increasing capacity and understanding, whilst supporting the organisation to meet other equally important requirements set out in equality legislation and human rights standards. Amongst the areas of focus for strategic impact is: achieving better policy outcomes and improving the accessibility and quality of our services; and supporting the development of a skilled and diverse workforce. These are underpinned by actions which the Department will implement over the life of the Strategy.