Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 17 June 2015

Committee on Education and Social Protection: Select Sub-Committee on Social Protection

Gender Recognition Bill 2014: Committee Stage

1:00 pm

Photo of Kevin HumphreysKevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will address Deputy Ryan's question first. There is actually no need to specify that because the committee can actually become involved itself and take evidence at hearings on the legislation within the two years.

With regard to Deputy Ó Snodaigh's question, everybody concerned recognises that gender recognition involves an evolving set of circumstances. We have become better at understanding the issues that arise. I have gone on record very strongly in the Seanad, and am happy to go on record again here, in saying the review will not be a box-ticking exercise. The very fact that circumstances and our understanding are changing so quickly means it is important that the review be taken seriously. It is a question of determining how the legislation is operating and whether further change is to be made.

Some areas concerning children will be examined much earlier than at the end of the two-year period. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs will become involved in this. The Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, has already had meetings with us. This is an evolving area. A lot will happen over the two years. It is important that we lay down a marker indicating that there should be a review. It is important that I have laid down a marker at this committee. I have said in the Dáil and Seanad that we want the review of how the legislation is operating to be comprehensive. I am certain that future members of this committee will take evidence and issue a report on the review. Members of this House who have been involved with the legislation have very much taken this issue to heart and nobody will be setting it aside. What Deputy Ó Snodaigh proposes does not have to be specified in the Bill but I believe the committee will have a role in the review. I would certainly welcome the help and assistance of the committee if I happen to be back in this position.

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