Katherine Zappone (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I commend the presentation of Ms Lacey, Mr. Giambrone, Dr. Crowley and his colleagues from the HSE. They depicted a terrific picture of collaboration and partnership, as Dr. Crowley indicated in some of his comments. As a lawmaker, such a progressive partnership and collaboration is heartening and gives me hope as to the development of this area for transgender people.

I wish to ask Ms Lacey a couple of questions. As many of my colleagues indicated, she spoke movingly about her experience. Will she share a little bit more? She stated that she was not recognised in law as an Irish woman. If she was, and when she will be, as it will come, how would it make a difference to her family?

Ms Lacey provided the estimate of 1% of people being transgender and stated that 160 people presented at St. Columcille's Hospital and that 80 young people's families had contacted her. When we enact law for the recognition of transgender people to their preferred identities, will this percentage increase?

How Dr. Crowley outlined his presentation in terms of treatment pathways, the legal issues and the information and awareness training being provided to staff was brilliant. My question on a timeframe for the process is virtually the same as Senator Burke's. The HSE made submissions to the Gender Recognition Advisory Group, GRAG, but some of Dr. Crowley's comments about what we need in terms of law seem to have moved beyond its report's recommendations. That report is two years old.

I have commended Sinn Féin on its Bill publicly and via media statements. I have also discussed my Bill. It is critical that lawmakers have two different approaches. It is important that we act. Legislation could be initiated in both Houses. Dr. Foy was mentioned. It is in respect of her case that Ireland continues to be in breach of international human rights law six years later.

I do not know if members are aware but Dr. Foy has initiated new proceedings because Ireland has not acted when found to be in breach and six years have passed. It is critical that we act.