Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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2098. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his Department's recruitment policy for allowing members of the transgender and LGBT communities to enlist in all branches of the Defence Forces. [37493/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Government believes that the Defence Forces should reflect the modern demographics of Irish society. To that end, the Defence Forces are committed to the principle of equal opportunities in all of its employment policies. Furthermore, the Defence Forces are committed to ensuring that the principles of equality are adhered to in recruitment, induction, employment and daily routine, training, education and promotion. The Defence Forces welcomes applications from all members of Irish society, irrespective of religion, sexual orientation or gender, including transgender. The Defence Forces operate in an environment without discrimination in areas covered by the Equality Acts and they comply with the legal provisions of the Gender Recognition Act 2015. 

The Defence Forces launched its Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Intersex (LGBTI) network “Defend with Pride” in October, 2016. This Network is a resource for all DF personnel. It aims to provide support, information and guidance for LGBTI personnel and allies who wish to support colleagues, friends and family.