Minister Norma Foley gives support to Pride of the Déise
Minister Norma Foley
I am delighted to support Pride of the Déise, a key part of Pride celebrations in Waterford and a powerful example of what volunteer-led community collaboration can achieve.
Pride events are about more than visibility; they celebrate equality, dignity and belonging, while creating space for joy, connection and cultural expression. Pride of the Déise’s commitment to accessibility, local talent and empowering LGBTIQ+ youth strengthens not only the LGBTIQ+ community, but the social fabric of Waterford as a whole.
2026 is an important year for LGBTIQ+ rights in Ireland.
As we enter the final year of the first Action Plan under the National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy II 2024–2028, I am proud of progress made by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and across Government.
This year marked the first annual LGBTIQ+ Forum, giving the community a voice in shaping the next Action Plan.
The Central Statistics Office will now also include questions on sexual orientation and gender identity in Census 2027. These and other developments support a more equal and inclusive society for LGBTIQ+ people.
One particularly significant milestone has been the commencement of Section 232 of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024.
For many LGBTIQ+ families, this provides a legal pathway for donor conceived children to have both parents recognised in law.
Education continues to play a central role in advancing equality. The Department of Education and Youth has embedded LGBTIQ+ inclusion across curricula, including the updated Senior Cycle SPHE programme and the new Wellbeing Specification for Primary Schools.
These frameworks support children and young people to develop a positive sense of self, recognise diversity, and challenge discrimination and bullying from an early age.
Work is also continuing on legislation to ban conversion practices. Officials are working to draft legislation that protects individuals from harm while paying proper heed to complex legal and constitutional considerations.
That the European Citizen’s Initiative to ban these practices gathered one million signatures to bring the matter to the European Commission shows the support the move has across the continent.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Ireland will use its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union to highlight the importance of LGBTIQ+ rights, including by hosting a high-level conference on LGBTIQ+ anti-discrimination in late 2026.
As we continue to work together to advance LGBTIQ+ equality in Ireland, celebrating the progress made helps galvanise community and Government partners for the work ahead. Pride of the Déise embodies the resilience, creativity and joy of the LGBTIQ+ community.
I wish everyone involved every success with this year’s festival and reaffirm my support for your work in Waterford and beyond.
