Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the date on which she will introduce transgender recognition legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11864/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Gender Recognition Advisory Group was established in 2010 with the following terms of reference:-

"To advise the Minister for Social Protection on the legislation required to provide for legal recognition of the acquired gender of transsexuals. In particular, to propose heads of a bill to provide for:- o The establishment of a process for legal recognition of the acquired gender of persons suffering from Gender Identity Disorder, who have made the transition from one gender to another. o The establishment of a gender recognition register o The granting of entitlement to marry in the legally recognised reassigned gender, and o Any other provisions as may be deemed necessary consequent to the main provisions of the Bill.

The Group is made up of representatives of various Departments and Offices of State. The group has met on a number of occasions and has engaged in extensive consultation with a range of representative organisations and individuals with knowledge and expertise in the area, both in Ireland and abroad. I understand that the draft report is at an advanced stage of preparation and I would expect that the report will be completed within a matter of weeks. As the Deputy will be aware, there are a number of detailed stages and procedures involved in drafting and enacting legislation, so it is not possible for me to set out a timetable for the introduction of legislation in this matter at the present time.