Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Leas-Cheann Comhairle. Ar dtús, is mian liom míle buíochas a rá leis an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Butler, for the passionate way in which she spoke. It has been a good debate about the pride that our Government shows. Pride is not just a celebration. It is a call to action. As we mark it here, we must be clear that there is no room for complacency in Ireland. I am really proud to be in the Dáil, listening from my office and since I have been in the Chamber, to how everyone has spoken about their personal experience and lives, and how we need to stand up to those who are trying to discriminate and push the people in our society down.

Around the world, we see co-ordinated attacks. Multiple Members here spoke about Hungary and what just happened to the LGBTQI+ organisation there. Often, it is part of a broader assault on democracy, equality and dignity. Ireland must not only resist those forces but we must lead by example. I mentioned here three months ago that key stakeholders are struggling to engage with the Department of Health. I ask the Minister of State to ask for an update on the Taoiseach meeting the key stakeholders regarding the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act 2024, as it disproportionately impacts LGBTQI+ families. We cannot allow legislation to become a barrier to recognition.

I speak to the Minister of State from a personal background. My sister and her wife are expecting their first child. They are lucky to have conceived that child in Ireland, but if that child had been conceived outside Ireland, my sister's wife would not be recognised as a parent. I raised this months ago but the LGBT+ parents' alliance has still not had the opportunity to meet the Taoiseach. I appeal to the Minister of State to ask the Taoiseach to try to get that meeting over the line. It is not good enough and I ask that it be done. Today, I am asking the Government in the spirit of Bród and Pride that we commit to a published, independent equality audit of the assisted human reproduction legislation and engage directly with the parenting alliance. It has emailed the Department, and it is very important.

On another issue, the Department of Health needs to publish clear timelines for both amending the legislation and the commencement of the Act. I am delighted to support a programme for Government that mentions so much for this community but we need a whole-of-Government approach. The national LGBTQI+ inclusion strategy outlines a path forward. Let us follow it. We all know and I have heard across the Chamber today, which I am delighted about, that we need a comprehensive, trans-inclusive ban on conversion therapy with no loopholes. We need the immediate enactment of the disregard scheme to finally remove the historic criminal convictions imposed on them since 1993.

The new trans healthcare model which multiple Deputies have raised today, based on informed consent, will be transformative for the community. This is about dignity, rights and basic decency. We have come so far as a country, but we are not done. In the spirit of the month of Pride, we need to do the best we can. We need to bring in legislation that creates real, meaningful and lasting change. I look forward to meeting my new niece.

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