Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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30.To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade 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. [24670/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to promoting and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace which is reflective of modern Ireland, protects the rights of all staff, and ensures staff are supported to deliver strongly for the citizen. The Department is committed to the same values and standards in respect of the services we provide for customers, at home and abroad.

The Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Policy and Action Plan, launched in 2022, builds on the Department's core values, and is articulated in both the current DFA Statement of Strategy and Human Resources Strategy. My Department recognises the need to proactively remove barriers and combat discrimination to ensure best outcomes and service, both for staff and citizens.

Launched in 2023, the provision of “GEDI Essentials” training to all staff was a priority action that emerged from extensive consultation for the Department’s GEDI Action Plan. The bespoke training, developed in collaboration with e-learning providers, Legal Island, aims to help all staff understand the basic concepts of diversity & inclusion, why they matter, and how they apply in the Department, and for the services we provide our citizens and other customers and stakeholders. The training includes themes around unconscious bias, workplace behaviours and forms of subtle discrimination, understanding diversity, dignity at work, and bullying, harassment and discrimination. The training, which includes a final assessment on completion, is mandatory for all staff across the DFA global network.

The table below also sets out all the anti-racism and unconscious bias training provided to staff in the Department of Foreign Affairs from 2021 to date.

In addition to "GEDI Essentials", the table includes anti-racism training delivered as part of the Department’s Regional Training Programme for the DFA global network in 2022 and 2023. It also includes cultural intelligence training provided to staff going on posting overseas in 2022. While not mandatory, attendance by relevant staff members at both of the above was strongly encouraged.

In addition, the table includes training on unconscious bias - an important and mandatory element of the training provided to all interview boards for recruitment and promotion competitions organised by this Department.