Gender Recognition Bill timing
Micheál Martin asked when promised legislation on gender recognition would be progressed, citing the outstanding review of the 2015 Act and rights for young and non-binary people. The Minister said she was initially unclear what bill was meant, but confirmed a review had been done and legal advice was still awaited.
On the Gender Recognition (Amendment) Bill, I understand that the "Prime Time" special programme this evening will outline the challenges faced by our transgender community in Ireland. This Bill would amend the Gender Recognition Act 2015 to provide a right to self-determination for persons who have reached the age of 16 years, introduce the right to legal gender recognition for persons under the age of 16, and ensure consideration of the status of non-binary persons in Irish law. I understand that all Stages of this Bill went through Seanad Éireann in March 2017, which is nearly two years ago. It is very important to all involved and to their families. Will the Taoiseach indicate when the Bill might be before this House so it can proceed through all Stages?
Comment on this
I must be honest with the Deputy that I am at a loss in this regard because neither I nor my predecessor in the Department brought any legislation through the Seanad. It may have been a Private Members' Bill so I cannot give the Deputy an answer on that. I can say that we have conducted an independent review of the 2015 legislation and a report was given to me a number of months ago that outlined a number of recommendations. That report was given to the Attorney General for his legal advice. I have not yet received that legal advice back. I genuinely hope that the Deputy is correct that the RTÉ "Prime Time" programme this evening will discuss the difficulties, the discrimination and the marginalisation of our trans children.