Eoghan Kenny (Cork North-Central, Labour)

I am delighted to speak on this motion. It is timely in that it has been only a matter of weeks since we had homophobic attacks on the streets of my home city of Cork. This behaviour is repulsive and should be roundly condemned by all in this House. No one should walk our streets in fear, no matter who they are.

One of the best things this Government could do to address issues of homophobia and transphobia would be to address the shortcomings in our public services. If our State treats the LGBTQI+ community with less regard and less focus, this lesser regard will be mirrored in our society. We see big gaps in the provision of healthcare services and it is no different for trans people. In 2024, we had the longest known waiting times in Europe for trans healthcare. Even people who were receiving gender-affirming healthcare in other countries and then move to Ireland must go through the initial process before accessing the same services here. The reliance on private healthcare either via the national gender service or as an alternative to it creates class disparities and puts further financial pressure on trans people.

I also want to speak to the broader issue of transphobia and transphobic abuse in Ireland and further afield. I do not understand where the hatred of trans people and the scaremongering about them come from. There is no need for this level of hatred. Trans people simply want to live their lives happy and comfortable in themselves. They want dignity and respect. They want to be able to receive healthcare just like anyone else. This year, we celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Gender Recognition Act. It is a progressive beacon to Europe and the rest of the world.

It shows that we can be progressive, inclusive and ahead of the curve. I must call out the nonsense we hear when we raise trans issues, particularly from Deputies in certain quarters of this House, on the Independent Ireland benches.

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