Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1408. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will make a statement on the scope of healthcare professionals, which is intended to be regulated by planned legislation to restrict the practice of conversion therapy; and if explicit reference will be made to therapists and counsellors, whether State registered or unregistered. [1105/24]
View answerThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to legislate to ban conversion therapy. The National LGBTI Youth Strategy 2018 – 2020 and the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019 – 2021 also contain commitments in relation to conversion therapy.
The legislative proposals under consideration will aim to prohibit the practice of conversion therapy regardless of the actor.
Given the complex and sensitive nature of the proposed legislation, my Department is carefully considering the key policy principles that will underpin the legislation to ensure that individuals are protected from harmful conversion practices while the necessary and appropriate services for those with concerns in areas of sexual orientation and gender identity are not affected.
The regulation of health and social care professionals does not fall within the remit of my Department.
