Government publishes proposed legislation to recognise transgender people
The government has published proposed legislation to recognise transgender people.
Under the provisions of the Gender Recognition Bill - people will have their new gender formally acknowledged by the State.
It will also enable transgender people to apply for a new birth certificate.
It is estimated around 200 people are already waiting for the service - with up to 50 others expected to apply each year.
The Social Protection Minister Joan Burton said that it will be available to transgender people who are aged over 18 and single.
"It provides for the recognition of the acquired gender of transgender people aged 18 and over and who are not married or in a civil partnership," she said.
"Once enacted this will mean that a person who transitions gender will have their acquired gender fully recognised by the state for all purposes."
