There has been a 65pc increase [1] in the number of ‘gender recognition certificates’ issued last year compared to 2021.
The certificate means the person has changed their sex in the eyes of the law and is entitled to a new passport, drivers licence, and other documents reflecting their changed status.
A person need only sign a form to effect the change.
Unlike the UK’s Gender Recognition Act 2004, there is no requirement under the Irish legislation for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria or evidence that applicants have been living in their acquired gender.
A total of 321 certs were issued by the Government in 2022, latest figures brought to Cabinet Tuesday show.
This is an increase of 65pc from 2021, when 194 certs were issued and 2020, when 107 were issued.
People have been able to self-identify their gender since the Gender Recognition Act was passed almost without debate in 2015.