Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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893. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps he is taking to address transphobia. [12460/23]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Ireland’s National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy provides the key mechanism by which the Government can provide for an Ireland where LGBTI+ people are visible and included, treated equally, healthy, and feel safe and supported. The Strategy includes a suite of actions in line with these aims.

In line with a commitment in the Strategy, my Department is currently engaged in a review of the Equality Acts, including in relation to strengthening protections for transgender people. I will consider proposals that emerge from that process, and I anticipate legislative proposals arising from the review to be brought forward this year.

The Strategy also includes a commitment to ensure that legislation concerning hate crime and hate speech is sufficiently robust to protect LGBTI+ people. In this regard, the Deputy will be aware that the Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Bill 2022 has been published and has completed Committee Stage in the Dáil. Protected characteristics include sexual orientation and gender, including gender expression or identity, to ensure appropriate protection for members of the LGBTI+ community under the provisions of the Bill.

We know that the availability of better information on the population and needs of LGBTI+ people in Ireland is necessary to inform the development of effective policy. My Department is well advanced in its LGBTI+ research programme based on gaps and priorities that have been identified. Work is underway with IPSOS MRBI to shape a baseline of public attitudes on all equality groups, including LGBTI+ persons, and this survey covers the acceptance of LGBTI+ identities.

Additionally, under the 2021 and 2022, LGBTI+ Community Services Funding Call, my Department has provided funding for a range of projects aimed at supporting transgender persons.