Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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569.To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide details of any anti-racism or unconscious bias training and presentations made available to staff in his 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 he will make a statement on the matter. [24663/24]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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On International Women’s Day in March 2021, my Department launched an "Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace" eLearning programme for all staff. This course aims to provide staff with an outline of why diversity, equality and inclusion are fundamental to my Department, and how we can build on our strengths and address our weaknesses in making this a reality in our workplace. This eLearning programme addresses various aspects of equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, including diversity, dignity, unconscious bias, stereotyping, harassment, and discrimination. The company provider for this eLearning resource was Aurion Learning and the cost was in the region of €10,500.

OneLearning, the Civil Service Learning and Development Centre established under Civil Service Renewal, provides access for civil servants to a range of formal learning opportunities, including courses that address unconscious bias.

The "Equality and Human Rights: Understanding Your Role" course is designed to increase staff awareness of Human Rights, Equity, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) and the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty or Public Sector Duty, in a Civil Service context. Content is included on Raising Self Awareness, and on how to identify Blind Spots and Unconscious Bias. The cost per participant is €100.

The "Managing for an Inclusive Workforce" course has been designed to provide people managers with the skills to role-model the behaviour, understanding and application of the various ED&I tools. Content is included on how to identify ways to overcome the barriers to inclusion within and across teams, including bias. The cost per participant is €65.

Participation in these training programmes is voluntary. My Department continues to develop a culture of learning across the organisation. Staff are encouraged to engage with the many learning and development opportunities, and interventions available to them to fulfil business objectives, and to develop their own potential.

In May 2022, my Department launched an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Advocacy team. The mission of the team, which has broad representation across my Department, is to celebrate the diversity of our people and promote equality of opportunity and respect for diversity in all aspects of my Department’s business. The team works together to promote, champion and foster a work environment where our people are free to be their authentic selves, be creative, thrive and flourish, while making a valuable contribution to my Department’s goals.