Equality Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021

Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Questions (949)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

949. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 445 of 5 May 2021, the status of the preparation of the legislation to end the practice of conversion therapy given the commitment for same in the programme for Government; when the legislative proposal will be finalised and brought forward; the status of the work of the research subgroup of the inclusion strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31002/21]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

As the Deputy is aware, the Programme for Government contains a commitment to legislate to end the practice of conversion therapy, a commitment I strongly support. The LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy 2018 – 2021 contains a commitment to prohibit the promotion or practice of conversion therapy by health professionals in Ireland. The National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2022 commits to ensuring that the practice of conversion therapy in Ireland is investigated and followed up with appropriate counter measures.

The research subgroup of the Inclusion Strategy has now been established and met for the first time on 19 May. This meeting focused on the scoping paper that has been developed by my Department on the issue of conversion therapy, and the next steps in progressing commitments relating to researching and banning conversion therapy.

The subgroup is currently considering what further research is required in this area before legislative proposals can be brought forward by the Department of Health.