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

I will answer the Senator's questions but I will do it in reverse order if that is okay with the Senator. I wish to work through this in a logical way. It does not help anyone trying to follow the debate if we jump forward and back.

There is no explicit or separate provision for intersex persons in the Bill. However, the provisions which apply to transgender persons also apply to intersex persons. Intersex is a general term and is used for a wide and complex variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy which does not match to typical identification of a female or male. From a legislative perspective, defining the term intersex is not straightforward. A huge variety of conditions are involved and it is an area where the level of knowledge is constantly evolving. The Senator recognised this in her contribution. It is important to note that the number of people with intersex conditions is small and many will choose to remain with their assigned gender. It is a small number, although the Senator may have different figures. Section 63 of the Civil Registration Act 2004 allows for the correction of errors. This means that it is possible to apply for a correction where a child with an intersex condition has been assigned the wrong gender. This is possible under current legislation. However, if they wish to avail of it, the gender recognition certificate route will also be open to a person with an intersex condition.

I thank Senator Zappone for pointing out the letter to me this afternoon when I met her earlier. I accept the Irish College of General Practitioners copied the letter to me but I cannot find it. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to look at it before the debate in this House.