Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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251. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the way she will deal with the issues and concerns raised by Transgender Equality Network Ireland, regarding lack of recognition of their position in society; and if she will meet the group, and help progress legislation, as necessary, to address their concerns. [19655/15]

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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I have met TENI, as has my predecessor as Minister of State for Equality, and I am of course happy to do so again to discuss issues for which I have Ministerial responsibility. I should point out that the legislation in which they are particularly interested - the Gender Recognition Bill - is a matter for the Department of Social Protection and any issues the group is concerned about in that regard should be raised with that Department.

I should also mention that Equality legislation for which I am responsible prohibits discrimination in the areas of employment and the provision of goods and services on nine grounds, including gender and sexual orientation. The Equality Tribunal has found that gender identity is encompassed by the gender ground and that therefore discrimination on the basis of gender identity is prohibited under equality legislation.