Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I thank Transgender Equality Network Ireland for coming in. I was delighted the witnesses used their time to explain their concerns about the Bill.

Is the gender rights advisory group completely disbanded? Could it be re-established to discuss some of the issues raised? It was a serious anomaly that no one of transgender was on that committee. I am concerned that the heads of a Bill could be introduced and we that would have to start changing them dramatically. It is always difficult to do that. Would it be possible to put the GRAG back together with a representative from the transgender group to re-examine this and bring it back out in a proper format that would take on board the concerns that have been raised? I would be concerned that we would get tied down with trying to change legislation when we might not be able to change it sufficiently.

I take on board the group's points. We should check the Argentinian legislation to see how much better it is for the transgender community. We should also look at the changes in Britain. I can understand the group would want legislation introduced as quickly as possible to deal with the issues but I would like some advice on this.