Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013
91. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has examined the Gender Recognition Bill 2013; the date on which she will publish her own Bill on gender recognition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33268/13]
View answerI take it that the Deputy is referring to Deputy Ó Snodaigh’s Private Member’s Bill which was introduced in Dáil Eireann on 22 May 2013 but which has not yet progressed beyond First Stage. I am satisfied that any legislation providing for the recognition of the acquired gender of transgender persons will have to be more comprehensive and detailed than that Bill. As I have indicated on a number of occasions, I want the legislation that the Department is preparing to be introduced as quickly as possible. However, the issues involved are complex and have implications for other areas of government.
I realise also that this is a very sensitive area for those involved and people are naturally keen that the legislation be brought forward quickly. I understand that but I also have to have regard to the legal complexities involved in relation to some of the recommendations of the Gender Recognition Advisory Group (GRAG) relating to the marital and civil partnership status of individuals. The Department has been taking advice on this matter including talking to the various stakeholders involved. I have requested the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection to consider the provisional draft Heads of Bill and, in that regard, officials from the Department will appear before the Committee in the Autumn. I feel that the Committee can make a very positive contribution to the preparation of the legislation and I believe that this approach should greatly assist the drafting of the legislation and its progress through the Oireachtas. When the Oireachtas Committee has discussed the provisional draft Heads of Bill, I will be in a better position to give a timeframe for the introduction of the legislation.
