Departmental Data

Tuesday, 11 June 2024

Questions (921)

Carol Nolan

Question:

921. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide details of any anti-racism or unconscious bias training and presentations made available to staff in her 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 she will make a statement on the matter. [24676/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Rural and Community Development

My Department is committed to human rights, equality and anti-discrimination in accordance with the Public Sector Duty obligation of the Human Rights and Equality Commission Act, 2014 and has a working group in place to progress actions under this obligation.

In respect of training, the Department's Disability Liaison Officers recently delivered a comprehensive presentation to staff, raising awareness around disabilities in the workplace and covering issues around unconscious bias and exclusion.

In addition, there is a range of courses available on One-Learning to staff in relation to Equality, Diversion and Inclusion and staff have specifically been made aware of these courses. The Department has also mandated that all staff must complete the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) course ‘Equality and Human Rights in the Public Service’ by the end of 2024. This course is available through OneLearning and on IHREC's website, and is free to all public servants.