Vol. 475 No. 2
15 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform when he will bring forward legislation governing the registration of births, deaths and marriages in view of his Department's review of this matter which currently does not allow a person who has changed gender to have their original birth certificate altered; and the form which the new legislation will take. [4533/97]
My Department has responsibility for an extensive review of the legislation governing the registrations of births, deaths and marriages with a view to preparing a new code of legislation. Because of the complex issues involved and the age of much of the relevant legislation, this review will take considerable time to complete. It would be inappropriate for me to indicate at this stage what form the new legislation might take.
I asked a question similar to this on 14 March 1996 and the Minister indicated that a comprehensive review was being undertaken by this Department. How long will that review process take? At present, we operate under legislation dating back to 1863 and medical practice has progressed a great deal since then. The law needs to come into line more quickly.
I cannot give a time for the completion of this review. It will take a considerable time having regard to two factors. First, the complexity and extensive nature of the material already present requires detailed examination and would be a major operation. Second, my Department has been heavily preoccupied with important legislation on equality. However, this matter is under review. Work will proceed in connection with it and we will complete the review as quickly as possible but the results are not imminent.
