Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

As the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, mentioned in his opening remarks, this year marks an important milestone for LGBTQI+ equality. It is important that this week, as Pride celebrations enter a period of high activity, we reflect on the progress we have made in Ireland while reaffirming our commitment to the protection and promotion of LGBTQI+ equality as we move forward. We know that Pride means different things to different people. However, at its essence Pride means a protest, a celebration and a remembrance. It is a time to reflect on the importance of allyship for the LGBTQI+ community and a time to continue to promote the dignity, equality and visibility of all the LGBTQI+ community in Ireland and throughout the world.

The Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and I are committed to progressing legislation to ban conversion practices in Ireland. Research commissioned by the Government confirms that these practices are happening in Ireland. They are cruel practices rooted in shame and stigma that seek to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, the impact of which can have long-lasting harmful consequences on a person, especially those who were subjected to such dangerous practices at a young age.

Every LGBTQI+ person deserves to feel safe from harm in Ireland, to be accepted for who they are, and to be supported to live full and equal lives. This is why the Government is moving forward with the introduction of a ban on conversion practices that seek to further prejudice and suppress the lives of LGBTQI+ people and place shame on our difference. Legislating to prohibit conversion practices is a continuance of the State's assertion of the equal dignity of LGBTQI+ persons. As the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, mentioned earlier, given the very sensitive and complex nature of the proposed legislation, officials in the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth are continuing ongoing detailed consideration of the matter. The Government will continue to progress the matter and it is planned that legislative proposals will be brought forward shortly, informed by research and international best practice.

The national LGBTQI+ inclusion strategy will be concluded this month. A review of the strategy is planned for the second half of this year. A request for tenders was published on 1 June, with submissions expected by the end of the month. The review will assess the achievement of actions in the strategy and identify priority areas for inclusion in a successor strategy. The review will look at how a successor strategy can provide for a whole-life-cycle approach addressing the needs of the LGBTQI+ community across all ages. It will also seek to identify the ways in which the issue of intersectionality should be addressed. The aim is to have a final report drafted by the end of 2023. This will inform the development of a new successor strategy.

It is an honour to conclude this discussion during Pride month 2023. As has been said, the debate takes place in the context of significant progress on the one hand and remaining obstacles on the other. It is important that we celebrate and acknowledge the key achievements that have been made in Ireland to advance LGBTQI+ equality while cognisant of the remaining challenges. It is understandable that there is concern among the LGBTQI+ community at the undermining of LGBTQI+ rights across the globe and the fragility of hard-won rights. The Government remains deeply committed to the promotion and protection of LGBTQI+ equality and will continue to work to better the lives of all in the LGBTQI+ community.

The marriage equality referendum in 2015 was a momentous occasion not only for the community in Ireland but for the entire country. It represented the coming together of a nation in the most profound way to show solidarity, kindness and understanding to our fellow citizens. Moments such as this, as well as the key achievements of our national strategies that the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, already mentioned, are reflective of the progress that has been made to date. However, we must continue to strive to advanced LGBTQI+ equality where gaps remain. The Government remains committed to doing this and to tackling the challenges standing in the way of full equality for LGBTQI+ people. I wish all Members of the House a very happy Pride.

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