The Department for Justice and Equality are looking for submissions from the public on how to improve the lives of LGBT+ people living in Ireland. The callout is part of a national strategy to promote LGBT+ rights, target discrimination, promote inclusion and to improve the quality of life and wellbeing for LGBT+ people.

Irish people will be able to have their say both in person, by attending one of the many upcoming workshops, or through written submission to the Department for Justice and Equality.

David Stanton, the Junior Equality Minister, spoke about the importance of input from the public in the upcoming strategy:

“This is your opportunity to influence the national strategy and to have your say in shaping the priorities for your community.”

Catherine Murphy, the co-leader of the Social Democrats also endorsed the programme and highlighted the government’s need to advocate for LGBT+ rights in Ireland:

“Plans and strategies have no impact on the lives of LGBTI people without the political and institutional will to bring about real changes.”

Ms Murphy continued:

“Since marriage equality, the urgency has gone out of the reform agenda here at a time when our country should be leading from the front on LGBTI equality – not just at home, but across the world.”

The Department has organised a series of focus-group style workshops in partnership with LGBT Ireland. They will take place in Dublin (November 3 and 15), Galway (November 12), Dundalk (November 19) and Cork (November 24). The workshops will be facilitated by key LGBT+ experts Dr Gráinne Healy, Denise Charlton and Dr Kathy Walsh.

A workshop focusing specifically on transgender issues will be held in Wynn’s Hotel in Dublin on Saturday, November 3.

To book your place, email [email protected] with your name, telephone number and any dietary, or accessibility requirements including Irish Sign Language Interpretation.

Written submissions from people unable to attend the workshops are also welcome and can be sent to [email protected].