It is no surprise on Trans Day of Visibility that I am offering my support and that of the Labour Party to the trans community in Ireland and worldwide.

Hear, hear.

One of the biggest things we need to think about today, on Trans Day of Visibility, is that it is really sad that there are no trans Members of the Upper or Lower Houses. I hope that someday that will be rectified and there will be visibility across society. I was thinking about this in the context of the census and the binary question in respect of sex. The census is used for many things, such as collecting data in respect of disabilities, access and travel. It is used for planning. Given that a couple of years ago Ireland was a beacon for trans rights and gender recognition globally - I know the Leader was a part of that - it is a real shame that this census, the biggest data-gathering exercise in the State, will not offer an opportunity for trans people and non-binary people to be seen, affirmed and heard this time around. I hope that will be changed for the next census. One of the biggest things on which we will lose out in this regard relates to an issue on which some of us who support our trans friends and family have spoken, namely, proper access to healthcare. If the census does not provide data in respect of how many people will need access to this healthcare, how will we ever fully address the need for healthcare and identify what is missing? I encourage Members to read a brilliant article written by Aoife Martin and published on thejournal.ie about trans people and their lives and just to think about the damage one's words, or even sometimes one's actions, are doing. Trans people's lives are worth living and they are worth living with dignity.

Hear, hear.

I put on record once again that I and many people here and in the Labour Party celebrate and stand in solidarity with the trans community worldwide and want to see them thrive as their true authentic selves.

Hear, hear.

I want to quickly raise the fact that the repeal review, that is, the review of the operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, is closing tomorrow. Some 400 people are still travelling for care. Among the issues the Labour Party will be putting into its submission, and a matter raised by several of our members, is that of extending the 12-week limit on access for people diagnosed with fatal foetal abnormalities. We need wide local coverage. There are still counties in which people cannot access abortion healthcare. We need safe access zones. Of course, the Labour Party is supporting the legislation brought forward by Senator Gavan. It is disappointing that we do not have a date for when the Government's legislation will be brought forward. We need to tackle rogue agencies. Telemedicine is so important. Yesterday, England made it a permanent option. Telemedicine expands patient choices, supports reproductive healthcare and is safe and effective. We need to deal with the three-day wait. It is infantilising and does not reflect the reality of any other medical care. A person knows his or her own body and mind. The three-day wait has to go. I encourage all Members to please make a submission online. It takes less than 15 minutes. The Labour Party will be making a submission.