Colette Kelleher (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I concur with Senator Ardagh with regard to the situation facing carers that was so well documented and highlighted in last night's "Prime Time" programme. The CSO has produced startling figures on carers under the age of 15 and over the age of 85. This is a demographic time bomb, particularly when it comes to those caring for people with disabilities. These carers simply have been neglected by the official social care system and I support Senator Ardagh's call for some kind of response from the Department of Health. A home care system would go a long way towards sharing the care for these people, who are happy to care for their loved ones but do not want to, or indeed cannot, do so all by themselves.

The main reason I wish to speak today, however, is that I was delighted to launch yesterday the Transgender Equality Network Ireland's STAD: Stop Transphobia and Discrimination report, which was authored by Ms Jennifer Schweppe and Dr. Amanda Haynes of the hate and hostility research group in the University of Limerick. There is no doubt but that Ireland has witnessed a momentous shift in public sentiment towards some of the most marginalised groups in society. The Marriage Act 2015, followed swiftly by the introduction of the Gender Recognition Act in the same year, each provide evidence of a sea change in political and societal attitudes. I pay tribute here to Senator Warfield, who drew the focus of this House to the Gender Recognition Act 2015 earlier this year. I also recognise the work of the Leader, Senator Buttimer, in this area. The report launched by Transgender Equality Network Ireland yesterday is a stark reminder, however, that the work is not finished. Reading this report, I was struck by the very significant hurdles that remain to be overcome by many in the transgender community before they can enjoy widespread acceptance and inclusion. More disturbing still is the way in which some unforgiving people choose to express their own fears and insecurities, often in the form of discrimination, vandalism, and harassment. Some of the stories in this report would make one cry. There is no need for this kind of behaviour. Transgender people just want to be themselves. Over a two-year period a total of 62 transphobic hate crimes were reported to STAD from across Ireland, including very serious offences like rape; sexual assault; causing harm; and death threats. Transphobic language was used by the perpetrator in 40 of the crimes reported. This is no insignificant issue: there were 909 transphobic murders across the world in this period.

On foot of last week's debate on the Domestic Violence Bill, Members are aware that non-violence can very often turn to violence. This is something we must understand but not accept. The report details many incidents that might not amount to hate crimes per sebut nevertheless constitute serious discrimination. One does not need to be punched or struck to feel sneered at and excluded and there is obviously a knock-on effect on people's mental health. We are talking about a small group of people and there is no need for them to be treated in this way. The Minister should come in to talk about what plans there are for the national LGBT inclusion strategy. I also would like to hear what he has in mind to address hate crime legislation. I ask the Deputy Leader to consider this request.