Gender Recognition

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2018

Wednesday, 14 February 2018

Ceisteanna (128)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

128. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his Department has prepared written guidelines for staff and the public for dealing with transgender matters; if they are published; if staff have received training in respect of this; if his Department is participating in or making a submission regarding the review being undertaken in respect of the operation of the Gender Recognition Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7573/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality

As the Deputy is aware, the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection holds primary responsibility for transgender policy.  This Department has not prepared specific written guidelines for staff or the public in dealing with transgender matters. Staff are trained to deliver an appropriate level of customer service and this training includes detailed training on all grounds of discrimination. 

The Deputy may wish to know that officials are engaged in the review of the operation of the Gender Recognition Act 2015 being undertaken by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection which will inform us of any particular training needs in this regard.