In recognition by the Defence Organisation that modern Defence Forces must reflect the demographics of Irish society, a Joint Civil/Military working group was established in 2019 with a view to progressing the development of a Transgender Policy for the Defence Forces.
The Terms of Reference (TOR’s) to guide the deliberations of the Working Group, are as follows:
1. Steps to facilitate transgender individuals in serving in the Defence Forces having regard to their gender identity – including, but not limited to, accommodation matters, bathrooms, dress codes, fitness standards, medical policy, privacy matters and support networks.
2. Limiting factors, if any, on their undertaking the full range of operational duties that may apply to transgender individuals who have undergone or who are undergoing gender reassignment surgery and recommendations with regard to medical classification.
3. Entry criteria for:
i. Persons who have undergone gender re-assignment surgery prior to their application to join the Defence forces.
ii. Persons who are applying to join the Defence Forces having been scheduled to undergo gender reassignment surgery, but have not yet undertaken such surgery.
4. Facilitating serving individual to transition to their gender identity.
5. Any regulatory changes that may be required to underpin recommendations.
6. Any other issues which the Group believes should be considered.
The membership of the Working Group is composed of a mix of military and civil personnel drawn from a wide range of appropriate branches across the Defence Organisation.
The Working Group has met on eight occasions since its inception. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic impacted on the progress of the Transgender Working Group. However, work is continuing on the drafting of a Transgender Policy with further meetings to take place this year.
