Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 313: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date regarding the introduction of gender recognition legislation; the timetable for introduction of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41396/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Renewed Programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce legal recognition of the acquired gender of transsexuals. The Gender Recognition Advisory Group was established in May 2010 with the following terms of reference:-

"To advise the Minister for Social Protection on the legislation required to provide for legal recognition of the acquired gender of transsexuals. In particular to propose heads of a bill to provide for:-

The establishment of a process for legal recognition of the acquired gender of persons suffering from Gender Identity Disorder who have made the transition from one gender to another

The establishment of a gender recognition register

The granting of entitlement to marry in the legally recognised reassigned gender, and

Any other provisions as may be deemed necessary consequent on the main provisions of the Bill."

The Group is made up of representatives of various Departments and Offices of State. The Group has met on a number of occasions and has engaged in extensive consultation with a range of representative organisations and individuals with knowledge and expertise in the area, both in Ireland and abroad. Further consultation, research and discussion is required on the issues arising. I understand that the Group hopes to report in December 2010.

As the Deputy is aware, there are a number of steps to be taken before any legislation might come before the Oireachtas and it is not possible to be definitive as to timescales at this juncture. I would, however, assure the Deputy that the matter will be treated as a priority by my Department when the deliberations of the Gender Recognition Advisory Group are finalised.