Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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43. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he will publish the next national LGBTQI+ inclusion strategy; what the broad aims of the strategy will be; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43344/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I am pleased to inform the Deputy that work on developing the successor to the National LGBTI+ inclusion Strategy 2019 - 2021 is well advanced. I aim to table the draft National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028, (NLIS II) for discussion and approval, at Cabinet shortly.

The NLIS II will aim to promote and respect the right of LGBTIQ+ people to live their lives safely, free of harassment and violence through several prevention and protection measures. This will include addressing misinformation in relation to LGBTIQ+ people; developing effective approaches within the criminal justice system towards addressing the safety issues experienced by the LGBTIQ+ community; addressing and preventing LGBTIQ+ bullying in schools; enhancing awareness of the occurrence of Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence (DSGBV) within the LGBTIQ+ community and improving safety for LGBTIQ+ people in public spaces.

The Strategy will also aim to advance health and well-being outcomes for LGBTIQ+ people through improved investment in and access to a range of health services and providing for a more inclusive health and social care environment for LGBTIQ+ people.

The participation and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people in society will be a key element of NLIS II, and will be achieved through measures: to improve visibility and inclusion across a wide range of areas; to improve funding supports for LGBTIQ+ services; to ensure better data is captured on the needs of LGBTIQ+ people and to build on initiatives already undertaken within the business community and by employers so that LGBTIQ+ people are enabled to participate fully within the workplace.

The NLIS II will also seek to advance equality for, and counter discrimination against, LGBTIQ+ people through the introduction of, or amending legislation across key areas, and through continued advocacy for the protection and promotion of LGBTIQ+ rights at an international level.

The Government is committed to making Ireland a country in which LGBTIQ+ people can safely live, work and enjoy their lives without barriers, discrimination and intolerance.