Maman Poulet

I was intrigued but not surprised on Saturday night to read Cllr Dermot Looney’s blog about wanting to bring Dublin Pride to Tallaght.

I have long had difficulties with the Dublin Pride March and it’s lack of message and meaningless ending in a scuttle down the back of of Wood Quay hidden from everyone. South Dublin City Council have supported initiatives to increase lesbian and gay visibility in their library and through measures promoting social inclusion.  Cllr. Looney wants to go one better and bring the march to Tallaght and is bringing a motion seeking support to the council’s monthly meeting tomorrow night.

This Council congratulates the success of Dublin Pride in raising awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in Dublin for more than 25 years and offers its support for the 2010 event. This Council will contact Dublin LGBTQ Pride Limited to offer support and assistance, with a view to holding events in the South Dublin area in this and future Pride festivals.

The issues facing lgbt’s in Ireland are local issues as well as national. Throughout this city people face discrimination and violence in their homes and continue to struggle for acceptance in their workplaces and amongst their families. This applies in Tallaght, Clondalkin and other parts of the city as well as between the canals. I mentioned during last years local and European elections that there were lots of issues beyond recognition of relationships that need to be addressed by elected and unelected officials and it’s very encouraging to see someone who is not gay taking on the issues unprompted and realising the importance of diversity and inclusion throughout the city and county.

I’ve been to North West Pride in Sligo for the past four years and the visibility, friendliness and involvement of other groups and support of local councillors all make the event extremely enjoyable and important for lgbt visibility.

If the Dublin Pride directors (who are in charge of a healthy bank balance according to the accounts sent to all members recently) have any liathroidi they’ll be responding to Cllr. Looney and taking him up on the offer. The one thing about Tallaght is that there is space out there to have a party afterwards – a football stadium for a concert even! South Dublin County Council aren’t bad at all on disability access either which might solve another problem that Dublin Pride has had with it’s activities.

Or are they too deferential to the commercial interests in town, some of whom are not so keen on the idea?

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I was asked 3 times yesterday about gay people in the Irish Army and if they were allowed to serve. The hearings to examine the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) have commenced in the USA and Obama has promised to remove the bar on lesbians and gay men serving openly in the US Military.

It’s so long ago since there has been any public discourse in the Irish media on the matter.

The answer is yes – lesbians and gay men can openly serve in the defence forces, in fact there has been no preclusion but in 1993 when male homosexuality was decriminalised in Ireland there was a significant change to make sure that there was no discrimination in terms of policy. At the same time as equal age of consent was introduced the Irish Defence Forces calmly announced that they would be treating heterosexuals and homosexuals equally – no relationships between senior and junior officers. No harassment of gay officers and no asking questions about peoples sexuality was also confirmed by Ministers and Army chiefs.

From the Irish Independent May 1993

In a related development, the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Noel Bergin, told the _Irish Independent_ on Tuesday that a report on the introduction of a code of conduct governing interpersonal relationships is being prepared. The decision to prepare a report follows a recent announcement by the Minister for Defence, Mr David Andrews, that military regulations would be modified to take account of any reform in the civil law on homosexuality. Mr Andrews is seen as a member of the liberal wing of the Fianna Fail party. Lt Gen Bergin pointed out that the Army does not ask potential recruits about their sexual orientation, and that they had few problems in the past in this area.

And a quote from the Dáil record in February 1993 from the then Minister for Defence David Andrews

51. Mr. Barry asked the Minister for Defence if there are regulations governing homosexuality for entrants to the Defence Forces; the current official position on the matter; if it is proposed to make any changes in the present regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Defence (Mr. Andrews): While the question of homosexuality is not specifically covered in Defence Force Regulations the provisions of section 169 of the Defence Act, 1954, provide that acts which are in breach of the criminal law of the State are also deemed to be offences against military law.

Information regarding sexual orientation is not sought from personnel wishing to enlist in the Defence Forces and it is not proposed to change this policy.

The Defence forces have a code on interpersonal relationships and guidelines in relation to discrimination – see Section 4 par 119.

I’m sure there is still discrimination faced by gay and lesbian members of the defence forces but the policy would indicate that there is no bar on lesbians and gay men working in this area. Other lgbt historians and folklorists may wish to add information to this post?

Maybe we could send current Minister for Defence Willie O’Dea to Washington to tell them all about it? It’s 17 years ago since the issue was dealt with here and 17 years since it was last debated in the Capitol Hill.

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You may remember when the second stage debate on the Civil Partnership Bill began back in December, Lucinda Creighton, FG TD for Dublin South East, was not present when called on to speak. There has been extensive time given to the debate fortunately and yesterday Lucinda spoke and thanks to the wonders that is the internet and in case you missed it I thought you may wish to see it.

Lucinda has spoken at Iona Institute events and given interviews to the Irish Catholic expressing concern at rights being given to same sex relationships. She had also previously spoke in favour of people being able to object to providing services to or conducting civil partnership ceremonies.  (She also differs greatly with her colleague Leo Varadkar on tax individualisation!)

But the speech yesterday indicates a change of heart on the issues or at least a change of language to appear reasonable but concerned?  She knows a lot of gay couples who live a ‘normal fashion’ in their communities. However we’re not traditional (phew) and she likes and supports traditional families and wants the constitution to protect them.  She doesn’t think people should be jailed for breaking the law either if they refuse to perform a civil partnership (there is similar legislation in place in relation to civil marriage) She even gives a shout out to noted liberal bishop Willie Walsh! Some in Iona and other groups will no doubt be tutting!

(If any other video fairies have footage of other TD’s speaking on the debate please get in touch!)

For an excellent summary of yesterday’s debate please head over to Human Rights in Ireland where Mairead has noted my tongue was firmly in my cheek re Leo’s dating needs.  Fiona has also examined the issues regarding a conscience clause in another post today on HRinI.

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Still getting the links together from the Civil Partnership Debate yesterday (the bill has passed it’s Second Stage and has been referred to the Select Committee on Justice, Equality and Law Reform for the stage where amendments are put and debated.)

However I thought we might try assist Leo Varadkar TD (Fine Gael) in finding a partner he can marry and get a tax relief from (if the partner earns less than 25k).

Yesterday in his contribution to the Civil Partnership Debate (while supporting the bill) Deputy Varadkar spoke about the discrimination he faces as a single person.

I am single and live alone. Being single, I pay a lot of tax. I do not wish to be poor-mouthing but must state I probably pay 40% of my income in tax. As a result I have to pay the mortgage and utility bills on my own, which is the same for the many hundreds of thousands of single people in the State. Ironically, if I were to marry someone earning less than €25,000, I would be able to share the costs of living and reduce my tax bill by €7,000. It seems to be somewhat unfair that as a single person I am essentially paying more tax to subsidise other married people who may earn more than me. This anomaly of the tax system is designed to support marriage. This issue will also arise with civil partnership in that the Finance Acts will be amended to offer the same benefit for those who enter a civil partnership. Single people will effectively be subsidising the lifestyles of married people.

Why should single people have to pay €7,000 more in tax? I accept an issue arises where there is a family. However, in a family there must be children. We should consider changing the system so that those rights apply to families with dependent children. It is somewhat unfair that some Members with the same income as mine, who have stay-at-home wives who chose not to work but spend the day on the golf course or lunching, pay less tax than I do. I do not have an objection to their choice but I object to single people having to pay more tax so that other people have that choice. This anomaly needs to be addressed in our tax system.

So anyone want to design a personal advertisement for the Deputy? (applicants might also want to note that he also said getting rights from cohabiting together after only two years was a bit too short)  I also assume some of the Fine Gael Ladies Lunch crew won’t be too amused by his views on their activities.

Your efforts at ads are very welcome (by me anyway if not the Deputy).

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So when the Civil Partnership legislation passes and is finally enacted same sex couples  should be able to register their relationships in a variety of places that are approved for the conduct of civil ceremonies.

Including….

(It was announced yesterday that Croke Park was registered as a venue for the conducting of civil marriages)

Now maybe the GAA can talk all about what an open and tolerant organisation it is.  But I do think Archbishop Croke will be spinning somewhere.   I can see the ceremony organisers spinning it now as the new Cathedral

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The Civil Partnership Bill Second Stage Debate will resume this Wednesday 27th January some time between 11.30 and 1.30pm. There are two other bills for debate during this time before contributions can be made. Who’s left to speak? Personally I’m still waiting for Lucinda.

You can watch it here and of course join in the liveblog here.

Continue Reading »

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The Public Sector Executive Union recently conducted research amongst members regarding their experiences in the workplace of lgbt issues.  (Sunday Tribune article) The survey was aimed at lgbt members but other members also completed it. The initiative was led by the Union President Fiona Lee and Deputy General Secretary Billy Hannigan and funded by EU funding under an EU challenge fund. The response rate was low at 165 but has been pointed to as indicative of a culture withing the service of reluctance to discuss the issues.

I’ve located the results on the PSEU website

42% of respondents indicated that they had experienced discrimination and 32% had been verbally abused. No respondent had accessed the assistance of the Equality Authority or a solicitor in addressing the discrimination.  When asked what their employer could do to improve the situation, many wanted increased dsicusion and visibilty on lgbt issues, but the majority wanted the same entitlements as everybody else.

It is the one thing I’ve heard over and over again from people I’ve spoken to who are civil servants: the forced payments into spouses and children’s funds and no payouts to the ’spouses’ and children of lgbt employees. This situation will change upon the enactment of the Civil Partnership legislation but it has long been a bugbear and non biological children will be excluded from the new scheme given there is no recognition in the legislation.

Respondents were asked to describe negative experiences they had because they were lgbt or perceived to be lgbt. There were 35 responses   (Page 10 &11) including:

My line manager went on a tirade, comparing gay people to paedophiles. It was extremely upsetting, and no action was taken despite bringing it to the attention of a more senior manager.
The view was that the manager in question had strong religious beliefs, and rather than discipline him, we should be more careful in what we discuss. The implication was that the responsibility was on the staff to “not upset” the line manager in question. I was not comfortable in telling the senior manager that I am LGBT, based on that response.

Another said

My immediate superior in my previous Dept told me that gay people were animals and they had no right to life, let alone any other rights.

Another reply

Jeering of LGBT staff. Crude jokes about LGBT people by Line Managers, as supposed humour. Slagging of people, if they are successful and unmarried comments that they must be gay or lesbian, and all they need are ……..(decent prohibits me from continuing)

The overall impression from reading the results and responses  is that people just want to be treated the same as everyone else, not have to watch what they say and receive support from colleagues and management should they need to not only in action but also in atmosphere.  The majority don’t believe sexual orientation has any impact on promotion or other opportunities which is positive to hear, however there is a lack of knowledge of equality policies in the workplace.

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Today Tanaiste and Minister for Entrerprise and Employment, Mary Coughlan announced the new FAS Board.  10 places plus the CEO -7 Men and 3 Women.

• Mr. Michael Dempsey (Chairperson)

Former Senior Director, European Markets, Bristol Myers Squibb;
Board Member, Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

• Mr. Paul O’Toole (ex officio)

Director General, FÁS.

• Mr. Dermot Curran

Assistant Secretary, Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

• Mr. Tony Dempsey

Former Teachta Dála;
Former Principal, Enniscorthy Vocational College;
Chairman, Enniscorthy Enterprise Centre.

• Mr. Seán Gallagher

Managing Director, Smarthomes Limited;

Board Member, InterTradeIreland

• Ms. Emer Gilvarry

Solicitor; Managing Partner, Mason, Hayes and Curran.

• Mr. Martin Hogan

Innovation Manager, Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology;

Managing Director, Statesoft Limited.

• Ms. Annette Hughes

Director, DKM Economic Consultants; Member, Euroconstruct; Member, National Competitiveness Council.

• Mr. Séan Ó Longáin

Barrister;  Former Chief Executive Officer, County Donegal Vocational Education Committee.

• Dr. Brendan J. Murphy

President, Cork Institute of Technology.

• Ms. Margaret Sweeney

Accountant; Chief Executive Officer, Postbank Ireland Limited; Board Member, Teagasc.

Yet another board that fails government guidelines of 60/40 gender quota.  Wonder what the Minister with responsibility for Equality (cough) makes of it. He was expressing concern last month at the failure of the state to appoint women to stateboards.

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An important ruling earlier this month from the Court of Appeal in the UK to a ruling in the Employment Appeal Tribunal concerning a registrar Lillian Ladele.

Ms. Ladele took a case against her employer, Islington Council, alleging that she was harassed and discriminated against by the council because she refused to perform registrations at civil partnership ceremonies. She did not wish to perform the function due to her religious convictions.  The council had issued verbal and written warnings but had not dismissed Ms. Ladele.  She has voluntarily left her position since September.

An Employment Tribunal initially found in her favour last year but the Employment Appeals Tribunal ruled against her and she took the case to the Court of Appeal.

Masters of the Rolls, Lord Neuberger in his judegment refusing leave to appeal to the Supreme Court said

It appears to me that, however much sympathy one may have with someone such as Ms Ladele, who is faced with choosing between giving up a post she plainly appreciates or officiating at events which she considers to be contrary to her religious beliefs, the legislature has decided that the requirements of a modern liberal democracy, such as the United Kingdom, include outlawing discrimination in the provision of goods, facilities and services on grounds of sexual orientation, subject only to very limited exceptions.”

This ruling will be watched with interest by both lgbt rights groups and the Iona Institute and Renew and their supporters who are campaigning for the insertion of the an amendment to the Civil Partnership Bill to protect those who do not wish to perform registrations due to their religious convictions .   It is anticipated that the Government will not include such an amendment and indeed many opposition politicians are against it’s inclusion.

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Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Mary Hanafin, was responding to the committee stage of the Social Welfare Bill (No. 2) in the Dáil today – (after Gogartygate). The bill provides for the cuts in social welfare of 4.1% for all social welfare payments for those under 65 and a cut in childnd I benefit. I heard her roll out the following:

I am pleased Deputy McEntee raised the issue of deaf people. One could conclude from the contributions of Deputies that blindness was the only disability. While blindness is a terrible disability, in fairness to people with other disabilities I am glad Deputy McEntee specifically referred to deaf people.

Deputy Róisín Shortall: That is a cheap shot.

Deputy Mary Hanafin: Unfortunately, those who receive disability or invalidity payments will be affected by the cuts. Deputies have asked how much it would have cost if we had not reduced payments to those in receipt of disability payments and so on. The cost of not doing so would have been almost €108 million. It would have been necessary to find this expenditure in other Departments or in my Department’s spending.

Deputy Róisín Shortall: What about tax breaks?

Deputy Mary Hanafin: I was asked whether I had spoken to disability groups. I met representatives of these groups separately and they attended the pre-budget forum.

Deputy Róisín Shortall: The Minister is running for cover.

Deputy Mary Hanafin: It is worth repeating that they placed greater emphasis on services on the ground and in the community. They want and need these services – Deputy Crawford is nodding his head – because they are very important to people with disability.

Deputy Seymour Crawford: They are very angry.

Deputy Mary Hanafin: Cutbacks have not been made in respite care beds, day care places, primary care teams or any other services available to people with a disability.

Deputy James Bannon: Has the Minister visited hospitals in Longford and Westmeath?

Deputy Mary Hanafin: An additional €10 million has been provided to deliver more home care packages. The choice facing us was whether to reduce payments, bad as such a step is, or place the burden on the Department of Health and Children. I believe that if one reduced services by more – there are many with disabilities who would agree—–

Deputy Róisín Shortall: That was the Government’s choice.

Deputy Mary Hanafin: —–it would have impacted upon such people more seriously.

Ah Day Centres – Person Centred rather than Day Centred seems such a long long way away. And Nothing about us without us even further.

The Service providers do all the talking to keep their services and their clients in those services and the NDA do the policy whispering and the Ministers the weak excuse making.

I doubt anyone representing people with disabilities argued for an income cut over a service cut. The cost of disability is not factored into payments as it is so it would be farcical for groups to favour a cut in payments.

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