Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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128. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when she will publish the heads of bill on the rights of transgender persons in order that it can go before the Oireachtas Education and Social Protection Committee; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25991/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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As I have indicated on a number of occasions I want the legislation to deal with the gender recognition advanced as quickly as possible. The issues involved are complex and have implications for other areas of Government. I realise also that this is a very sensitive area for those involved and people are naturally keen that the legislation be brought forward quickly. I understand that but I also have to have regard to the legal complexities involved in relation to some of the recommendations of the Gender Recognition Advisory Group (GRAG) relating to the marital and civil partnership status of individuals. The Department has been taking advice on this matter including talking to the various stakeholders involved.

I have requested the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Social Protection to consider the provisional draft Heads of Bill and, in that regard, officials from the Department will appear before the Committee in the near future. I feel that the Committee can make a very positive contribution to the preparation of the legislation and I believe that this approach should greatly assist the drafting of the legislation and its progress through the Oireachtas. When the Oireachtas Committee has discussed the provisional draft Heads of Bill, I will be in a better position to give a timeframe for the introduction of the legislation.