Europe to slam Ireland's inaction over transgender rights

A major report to be published later this week by the Council of Europe is expected to criticise Ireland for failing to recognise transgender people.

Ireland is one of the last remaining countries in Europe, along with Albania, that has not changed the law to give recognition to transgenders.

The Government admitted a year ago that its position violates the European Convention on Human Rights when it withdrew a Supreme Court appeal in the case of transgender person Dr Lydia Foy.

Michael Farrell, Senior Solicitor with the Free Legal Advice Centre, has said not being recognised by law causes great difficulties for transgender people, such as in getting a new birth certificate, for example.