Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

521. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11275/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, the final text of any legislation as enacted is ultimately a matter for the Oireachtas, with the provisions of each Bill required to complete a number of stages involving debate and consideration of proposed amendments.

Gender-neutral writing is about inclusion and equality, which my Department is fully committed to embedding in its culture and values.

Central to its mission of working for a safe, fair and inclusive Ireland, my Department launched its first Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy in March 2022. The Strategy aims to strengthen the Department’s capabilities to promote equality, embrace diversity and foster inclusion, not only in daily interactions and activities as colleagues, but also in the design and delivery of the services that the Department provides to the public.

To this end, the EDI Strategy prioritises three areas of focus for strategic impact:

- achieve better policy outcomes and improve the accessibility and quality of our services

- support the development of a skilled and diverse workforce which is reflective of the diversity within our population / country;

- build and embed a workplace culture which facilitates, supports and encourages contributions from all.

The implementation of the EDI Strategy is monitored by my Department's EDI and Public Sector Duty Committee, which is chaired at Assistant Secretary level.