Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
1100. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the proposed bill to ban conversion therapy; to the estimated date of publication; and whether it is his intention to pass the bill within this Government's term of office. [11734/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra1101. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if there will be any exemptions under the proposed Bill to ban conversion therapy; and if so, the justifications for these exemptions. [11735/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1101 and 1100 together.
I propose to take PQs 11734/24 and 11735/24 from the Deputy together.
The 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.
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.
Intensive work on drafting the General Scheme is ongoing and officials continue to engage with the Office of the Attorney General on the matter. As the particulars of the General Scheme are not yet finalised, I am not in a position to comment on its details including in relation to exemptions. It is planned that legislative proposals will be brought forward shortly.
