Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 December 2020
317. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of actions undertaken to date for the legislative ban on conversion therapy as committed to in the Programme for Government; if there is a timeline for such legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42157/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to legislate to end the practice of conversion therapy and work is due to commence on the necessary preliminary measures shortly.
The National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 also commits to ensuring that the practice of conversion therapy in Ireland is investigated and followed up with appropriate counter measures.
In support of these commitments, research will shortly be commissioned to establish the extent to which the practice is occurring in Ireland, and to review international best practice in responding which will also include legislative responses in other countries; and developing an appropriate package of measures for implementation in response on foot of the findings of the research.
The LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy 2018-2020 also contains a commitment to prohibit the promotion or practice of conversion therapy by health professionals in Ireland. The Department of Health is responsible for implementing this commitment.
