Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Some of the people in the Visitors Gallery were here two years ago when we began to discuss this legislation with departmental officials and medical experts. There was a hope at that stage that we would see sense as legislators. We have progressed more quickly than I expected in adopting best practice and becoming a torch bearer for other countries. However, while the Government's amendments are progressive, a number of issues remain to be addressed in the Bill. It is appropriate that the amendments move us away from the medical model because this is not a medical phenomenon. For many years people lived with what they felt was the wrong gender assignment, but with the issue now being seen from a human rights perspective in an increasing number of countries, we are hearing more positive stories across the globe about the treatment of transgender issues. In western countries there is no longer the same stigma attached to people who announce that they are of a different gender to the one assigned to them by their parents, the medical profession or schools. In the context of the recent referendum, it is a logical step for Ireland to enter the modern world by recognising such individuals. I agree with Deputy Willie O'Dea that if it is good enough for adults aged 18 years, it should be good enough for those aged 16. Society determines that 16 year olds are adults in certain ways, even though the courts treat the age of adulthood as being 18 years. A 16 year old should be allowed to make the same decisions an 18 year old can make under the Bill. While it is difficult to keep track of the amendments because they are spread across three lists, for the most part I am happy with the Government's amendments.