Terry Brennan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Gabh mo leithscéal. I am breaking the law; nobody else did.

The fundamental concept underlying the legislation is relatively simple. The preferred gender of a person who has been issued with a gender recognition certificate by the Department of Social Protection will be formally and legally recognised for all purposes, including dealings with the State, public bodies and civil and commercial society. I have acknowledged the part the Minister of State, Deputy Kevin Humphreys, has played, and the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection has acknowledged his contribution. It is an historic day for the Seanad. Amendments have come from the Dáil but the Seanad has had a role with this Bill from the beginning. I congratulate one and all.