The new Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2024 from the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission lists compulsory diversity training and the provision of gender-neutral toilets in its list of emerging themes and action points identified for the strategy.
The Commission is the body responsible for the running of both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The document says that equality, diversity and inclusion “must be central to everything we do so that each individual can be their “authentic self” and feel valued for their individual contribution.”
It closed on 10 June following an extended deadline.
However, despite the extended deadline, a total of only 263 responses were received which equates to 17.6% of the parliamentary community.
“While the response rate was low in comparative terms, a number of emerging themes and actions were identified and are included in this strategy,” the report says.
These include:
• need for more positive action, targeted recruitment for migrant communities and people with disabilities,
• need to ensure human rights and equality are considered throughout the legislative process,
• need for compulsory diversity training,
• provision of gender-neutral toilets.
Elsewhere in the document a number of strategic objectives are outlined. These include work to “devise a comprehensive training programme in Unconscious Bias, Intercultural Awareness, Allyship and Respectful Communication.”
There is also a strategic objective to the development of “a comprehensive plan to celebrate key international days of celebration specifically in the area of equality, diversity and inclusion.”
The equality, diversity and inclusion team of the Houses of the Oireachtas will be responsible for the implementation and oversight of the strategy’s objectives and actions.
The team will provide progress reports to the Openness and Inclusion Steering Group on a quarterly basis and to the People and Organisation Sub Committee of the Management Board in June and December 2024.
Updates on progress will also be included in the Annual Report. The assessment and consultation work for the next strategy will commence in Q3 2024.