Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
515. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth further to Parliamentary Question No. 439 of 21 November 2023, if he has made representations to his counterparts in Britain and Northern Ireland in respect of ensuring that legislation to prohibit the practice of conversion therapy is sufficient to prevent persons from being sent to Northern Ireland to access such prohibited therapies. [52351/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 contain commitments in relation to conversion therapy. The LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy provides for the prohibition of “the promotion or practice of conversion therapy by health professionals in Ireland” and the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy commits to investigating conversion therapy in Ireland and following up with appropriate counter measures.
Policy deliberations have been informed by a broad range of factors including but not limited to the TCD research, international research and an analysis of legislation in other jurisdictions. My Department is aware of legislative proposals under consideration, as well as recently passed legislation, in a number of jurisdictions across Europe, including in the UK, to prohibit conversion practices. Officials are engaging, where appropriate, with international experts and colleagues in other jurisdictions on these proposals to examine international best practice. My Department continues to engage with relevant Government Departments on the matter to inform the legislative proposals.
Given the potential complex and sensitive nature of the proposed legislation, the Government is carefully considering the underpinning policy matters to ensure that vulnerable members of society are protected from these harmful practices and that necessary and appropriate services for those with concerns in areas of sexual orientation and gender identity are not affected. Work on drafting the General Scheme is ongoing and officials continue to engage with the Office of the Attorney General on the matter. It is planned that legislative proposals will be brought forward shortly and it is a priority for Government this year.
