Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

Did the Taoiseach take the opportunity to raise with the representatives of the Catholic Church the problem of discrimination against transgender and non-binary students in State-funded schools run by the Catholic Church and the lack of mandatory LGBTQ-positive education? This is obviously an issue for all schools, but it is particularly the case for the Catholic Church given its transphobic teachings. For example, last year Pope Francis complained that, "Today in schools they are teaching this to children - to children - that everyone can choose their gender." He also claimed that increased visibility of trans people is due to "ideological colonising", which he described as terrible.

The Gender Recognition Act, passed in July 2015 formally recognises trans people in their preferred gender. That includes provision for 16- and 17-year olds to be legally recognised. According to the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, trans people are protected under the Equal Status Act, which protects students or prospective students from discrimination by educational establishments. Unfortunately, that is not currently taking place.

A recent survey by TENI found that only 18% of students felt their gender was respected in terms of the use of gender-segregated facilities such as bathrooms and locker rooms. Only 16% were able to wear uniforms specific to their gender identity. Only 27% reported their name and pronouns were respected by their school or college.

Did the Taoiseach ask the Catholic bishops to outline the steps being taken to ensure the preferred gender of trans students is respected in Catholic schools?

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