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

709. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if her Department supports the use of gender-neutral pronouns in the drafting of legislation or policies initiated by or originating in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11277/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Department of Rural and Community Development complies with its statutory duty, under the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, in the performance of its functions, having regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and protect the human rights of staff when carrying out their daily work and those to whom services are provided.

Drafting of primary legislation is the responsibility of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. However, regarding gender, all legislation is drafted in line with Section 18 of the Interpretation Act 2005.