Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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591. To ask the Minister for Health when he and his Department will be prepared to sign the Joint Ministerial Declaration on the Guarantee of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the European Union; the reason it was not possible to sign the declaration with the other Member States at the time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45168/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Both domestically and internationally Ireland is recognised for having a strong record as a champion of human rights including sexual and reproductive rights. This also includes commitments to promote and defend LGBTI+ rights internationally.

The Joint Ministerial Declaration on the Guarantee of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in the European Union was introduced by the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union during a high-level conference in Zaragosa, Spain on the subject at the end of September

The Department was not provided with sufficient time prior to the request for signing for full consideration of the Joint Ministerial Declaration. I have asked officials in my Department to carry out due diligence on the wording of the Joint Ministerial Declaration to ensure that it is fully aligned with Government policies. Once I have received the recommendations of my officials, I will be in a position to make an informed decision.