Gender Recognition

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023

Tuesday, 28 November 2023

Questions (517)

Carol Nolan

Question:

517. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide details on the research commissioned by his Department to examine issues of concern relating to children aged under 16 years of age being able to access a gender recognition certificate and/or self-declare their gender; the person or company contracted to provide this research and the costs incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52393/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Programme for Government contains a commitment, in terms of gender recognition, to examine arrangements for those aged under 16. 

DCEDIY has jointly commissioned research, with the Department of Social Protection, to identify the mechanisms used in other countries which govern legal gender recognition of children aged under 16 and to provide practical advice in relation to recognition for this age group.

The aim of the research is to examine and learn from other countries that have enacted legislation, supported and engaged with the issue of gender recognition for under 16s. The research will provide practical advice to inform consideration of how the issue may be approached in Ireland.

A Request for Tenders document was issued on eTenders on 24th June with a closing date of 22nd September 2022. The research was awarded to Cambridge University Technical Services Limited in September 2022 and is ongoing at present. The total cost of the research is €35,000, ex VAT.