Written answers
Tuesday, 11 June 2024
Department of Justice and Equality
Departmental Data
Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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521.To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to provide details of any anti-racism or unconscious bias training and presentations made available to staff in her Department during the period 2021 to date; the content of such training and presentations; the provider of any such training and presentations and the costs incurred for each event; if attendance at such training and presentations is mandatory or voluntary for staff; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24674/24]
Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy may be aware, last year my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth published the Government’s National Action Plan Against Racism (NAPAR) 2023-2027.
One of the actions outlined in the Plan is for all public sector employers to introduce mandatory and continuing anti-racism education, including cultural competency and unconscious-bias training for all staff at all levels, as part of the fulfillment of the statutory Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty.
My Department is fully committed to fulfilling its responsibilities in that Action Plan, as well as the responsibilities to promote equality, prevent discrimination and protect the human rights of staff, the public we serve and everyone affected by our policies and plans, in accordance with the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, as contained in Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Act 2014. In order to fulfil these commitments, my Department has provided, and will continue to provide, appropriate training for all staff.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
| Date | Details of Training | Contents | Provider | Voluntary/Mandatory | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Details of Training | Contents | Provider | Voluntary/Mandatory | Cost |
| 2023/24 | Cultural Competence Training for staff of the Border Management Unit. | The purpose of the training is to understand Cultural Competence and how this can be used to promote more effective interventions. This training also focuses on unconscious bias and how to work to overcome such bias. | The Irish Centre for Diversity | Mandatory | Total Cost: €8,800 Note: Each training session cost €2,200 |
| 2023/24 | Equality and Human Rights in the Public Service – eLearning module available on OneLearning | The purpose of the training is to support and enable staff within public bodies to understand and meet their obligations under the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty (Public Sector Duty). The Public Sector Duty is a legal obligation on public bodies, contained in Section 42 of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014, to have regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and protect the human rights of public sector staff and service users. | OneLearning eLearning module developed by Irish human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) | Voluntary | No cost arising to DOJ. |
| 2022 | Decision Making Training for all Domestic Residence and Permissions (DRP) staff within Immigration Service Delivery | The purpose of this training was to develop an understanding and awareness on the basis of good decision making in public bodies in terms of what is legal, fair and reasonable. This included reference to impartiality and unconscious bias. | Delivered in-house | Mandatory | No cost associated. |
| 2022/2023 | Traveller and Roma culture awareness training to support implementation of the Traveller and Roma Internship programme by enhancing knowledge and understanding of Traveller & Roma culture, identity and lived experience | The purpose of the training is to create a better understanding of Traveller and Roma identity and cultures and to foster inclusivity, diversity in the organisation. | The Traveller Visibility Group, Cork | Voluntary | Total Cost: €1,380 Note: Each training session cost €690.00* |
| Ongoing | Intercultural Awareness Module delivered as part of UNHCR/IPO Induction Training** | Intercultural Awareness Module Focus Areas: The training concentrates on unconscious bias, cultural sensitivity, and fostering an inclusive workplace environment. Key Elements: Unconscious Bias: Participants learn to recognise and mitigate their own biases. Cultural Sensitivity: The training emphasises understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds. Inclusive Workplace: Strategies and practices are discussed to create and maintain an inclusive work environment.This module was last delivered in February 2024. | Delivered in-house by Department of Justice (DOJ) Staff in conjunction with UNHCR | Mandatory | No cost associated. |
| March 2024 | Various European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) Training Sessions | The EUAA Introduction to Ethical and Professional Standards Module includes training on ethical behaviour and professional standards with specific learning outcomes: Cultural Diversity and Sensitivity: Participants are trained to recognise and appreciate aspects of cultural diversity and sensitivity in professional contexts related to asylum. Professional and Respectful Service: The module identifies behaviours that promote a professional and respectful service in multicultural asylum and reception settings. | European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) | Voluntary & Mandatory | No cost associated. |
| May/June 2024 | Various European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) Training Sessions | The EUAA Asylum Interview Method Module provides comprehensive training on conducting asylum interviews with a focus on several key areas: Interview Techniques and Bias Awareness: It emphasises the importance of understanding and mitigating unconscious biases that may influence the interview process. Cross-Cultural Communication: The module trains staff on how to effectively communicate with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds to facilitate better understanding and information gathering. Understanding Culture: Participants learn about the concept of culture and how cultural differences can impact the information obtained during interviews. Self-Awareness: The training encourages staff to reflect on their own backgrounds, opinions, beliefs, and values. It highlights the need to be mindful of personal prejudices or stereotypes that could lead to confirmation bias. | European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) | Voluntary & Mandatory | No cost associated. |
*My Department also led on the creation of the Traveller and Roma Internship Programme in which three other Depts/Offices participated namely D/Agriculture, the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Public Appointments Service, who also participated in the training. The Department of Justice covered the cost of two of the training sessions at a cost of €1,380 while DAFM covered the cost of one session (€690)
**Staff of the International Protection Office benefit from a range of training sessions and presentations aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of unconscious bias and intercultural sensitivity. This training, which comprises both mandatory and voluntary sessions, is designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment within administrative procedures and international protection processes.
In addition, all staff members who sit on interview boards for the Public Appointments Service are required to undertake training which includes a component on unconscious bias. This is provided by PAS at no cost to my Department.
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