Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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173.To ask the Minister for Finance 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. [24669/24]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that my Department has made available training in unconscious bias open to all staff.

This comprised a half day workshop on Unconscious Bias which took place in both 2021 and 2022. This training programme aims to assist staff in recognising their biases and assist in the promotion of equality. The training provider was The Hobbs Consultancy and the cost of the service was €24,188.

While staff attendance was not mandatory a total of 143 staff attended the workshops over 12 sessions.

My Department is currently developing an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. Actions in the Strategy will include anti-racism and unconscious bias training programmes.

In line with the National Action Plan against Racism 2023-2027, my Department will review further training in this regard in due course. In addition, my Department fully adheres to its obligations under relevant legislation including the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2015 and the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014.