Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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893.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills Minister 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. [24671/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Training to address possible racism and unconscious bias mostly takes place in the broader context of Equality Diversity and Inclusion training.

Since the beginning of 2022, our values and strategic goals have been communicated to new colleagues during the induction process (close to 100 since 2022). All-staff days regularly reference those values. These values include a focus on inclusion. In 2023, colleagues received a briefing on the Civil Service Dignity and Respect Policy (approximately 180 staff members attended the event).

Colleagues have the opportunity to attend a “Lunch & Learn” (no cost) with an EDI theme. Between 30 and 50 colleagues have attended the following talks:

• 2022 – The role of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Unit (internal speakers)
• 2023 – The result of the EDI Staff Survey (internal speakers)
• 2023 – EDI in practice – how is it lived and experienced in the City of Dublin Education and Training Board (ETB speaker)
• 2023 – The work of the Adult Education Department in Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI Speaker)