Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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1355. To ask the Minister for Health the details of engagements to date on work regarding the legislative ban on conversion therapy as committed to in the programme for Government; the timeline for commencement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14040/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The Programme for Government: Our Shared Future commits to legislate to ban conversion therapy.

The Government approach to legislating on conversion therapy is set out in the LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy. It states that the practice of conversion therapy will be investigated and followed up with appropriate counter measures. The strategy sets out two specific actions:

1. research on the extent of the practice of conversion therapy and international best practice in responding to conversion therapy, including legislative responses (to be undertaken by Department of Justice and Equality) and

2. the development of an appropriate package of measures for implementation (to involve all Government Departments.)  

Separately, the Department of Health is aware of the Prohibition of Conversion Therapies Bill 2018, tabled in Seanad Éireann. The research proposed as part of the LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy will provide an evidence base for a detailed consideration of the Bill. Furthermore, any legislative proposals arising will be strengthened if implemented as part of a whole of government response.