IT IS not possible to provide an estimated time frame for the introduction of gender recognition legislation, the Department of Social Protection said yesterday.
Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton told the European Transgender Council in Dublin last month legislation to provide for the legal recognition of transgender individuals would be put before a joint Oireachtas committee in October or November.
However, last Sunday Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said that, while the Government was committed to such legislation, there was no committed time frame for its introduction.
Yesterday’s statement said Ms Burton had sought advice from the Attorney General on the “legal complexities” of the marriage issue, which would require married couples to divorce in order to attain gender recognition.
“The department is currently waiting on the formal legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General, who is in the process of considering the various approaches suggested by counsel,” the statement said.
“Given the sensitive and complex nature of the issues involved, the Minister intends to ask the Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Social Protection and Education to discuss the provisional draft Heads of Bill once they are completed.”
The department said a time frame could not be provided until the opinion of the Attorney General’s office had been clarified and the Oireachtas committee had discussed the draft Heads of Bill.