Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2022
157. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline progress to date on the development of a legal ban on the practice of conversion therapy; when he expects legislation to be ready for introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50620/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to legislate to end the practice of conversion therapy, an objective I strongly support.In addition, the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy 2018 – 2021 contains a commitment to prohibit the promotion or practice of conversion therapy by health professionals in Ireland, and the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019 - 2022 commits to ensuring that the practice is investigated and followed up with appropriate counter measures. Both of these strategies are underpinned by a whole-of-Government approach. My Department commissioned research aimed at capturing the views and experiences of people who have been subjected to the practice of conversion therapy in Ireland to provide an evidence base to support the development of legislation. This qualitative research which commenced in February 2022 is expected to be completed shortly. The findings of the research will assist the Government in developing legislation to ban the practice of conversion therapy. My Department will also look at international good practice in this regard.
A research subgroup of the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy Steering Committee was established in May 2021. The group comprises Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth officials and a sub-set of members of the overall Steering Committee. Meetings have focused on conversion therapy and the next steps in progressing related Programme for Government commitments, with the most recent meeting taking place this week, 11th October.
Work has also begun to identify the key legal issues that must be addressed in any new legislation. It is planned that legislative proposals will be developed over the coming months, informed by the research.
