merrion street

The Minister of State for Equality, David Stanton, has today launched a Public Consultation on the National LGBTI Inclusion Strategy. Building on commitments made in the Programme for Government, the Department of Justice and Equality is developing the National Strategy to improve the lives of the LGBTI community in Ireland. The overall aim of this strategy is to target discrimination, promote inclusion, and improve quality of life and wellbeing for LGBTI people.

A series of thematic public consultation sessions will take place nationwide throughout the month of November to support the development of the Strategy. These consultations will be dynamic and interactive workshops facilitated by key LGBT experts and researchers – including Dr Gráinne Healy, Ms Denise Charlton and Dr Kathy Walsh – in partnership with LGBT Ireland. In addition to the public workshops, written submissions can also be submitted on the Strategy. Minister Stanton is encouraging everyone interested to get involved, saying:

This is your opportunity to influence the National Strategy and to have your say in shaping the priorities for your community.

Ireland has come a long way in advancing equality for LGBTI citizens over the last number of years. The passage of Marriage Equality and Gender Recognition legislation were key milestones in 2015, followed by the apology to the lesbian and gay community by the Irish Government on the 25th anniversary of decriminalisation earlier this year.

Minister Stanton welcomed additional equality funding of €200,000 in Budget 19 for the early implementation of actions under the Strategy, adding:

While a lot has been achieved in recent times, I firmly believe that there is more to do in advancing equality for LGBTI people – to get to a point where being LGBTI is unremarkable and valued at all levels of our society.

Speaking at the launch of the Cork Gay Project Winter Wellness Programme, Minister Stanton congratulated the programme organisers on putting together a collaborative and proactive initiative. Officially opening the programme, the Minister said:

It is heartening to see this extent of leadership at community level. This is an exciting and well-designed programme that not only focusses on physical wellbeing but also promotes that strong sense of belonging we know is so important for our mental, emotional and social health.

Note for Editors

The consultation on the National LGBTI Inclusion Strategy opens today, Friday 26 October 2018 and runs until 30 November 2018. Written submissions can be made to LGBTI@justice.ie.

Public consultation sessions will take place at the below locations and dates.

Location Date Venue Time
Dublin
(Specific focus on Transgender) Sat 3rd Nov Wynn’s Hotel 9:30 – 13:00
Galway Mon 12th Nov Teach Solais 18:30 – 21:30
Dublin Thurs 15th Nov Camden Court Hotel 9:30 – 13:00
Dundalk Mon 19th Nov Dundalk Outcomers 18:00-21:00
Cork Sat 24th Nov Imperial Hotel 9:30 – 13:00

To register for the consultation workshops send your name and telephone number with details of the session you would like to attend to LGBTI@justice.ie. Please let us know if you have any dietary or accessibility requirements – including ISL interpretation.

Further details are available at http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Public_Consultation_on_the_National_LGBTI_Inclusion_Strategy