Applications for gender recognition certificates in Ireland reached an unprecedented level in 2023, with 354 people seeking legal recognition of their preferred gender identity, according to Department of Social Protection data.
The figure marks a significant increase from previous years, surpassing 2022’s record of 319 applications and 2021’s total of 195. Of the 2023 applications, four came from individuals aged 16 or 17, who require special court permission under the 2015 legislation.
According to The Irish Independent, the department granted 341 certificates in 2023, including three to applicants under 18. However, the year also saw a record five refusals, primarily due to residency requirements not being met. This represents a notable increase from the single previous refusal recorded in 2017.
The Gender Recognition Act, introduced in 2015, allows transgender individuals aged 18 and over whose birth or adoption is registered in Ireland to legally change their gender. Those aged 16-17 can apply with court approval, while applications from those under 16 are not permitted.
Additional data shows:
- One person applied to revoke their gender recognition certificate in 2023
- Six people in total have reversed their gender recognition since the law’s introduction
- 186 people applied for revised birth certificates under their new legal gender identity in 2023
The legislation currently only recognizes male and female gender identities, with applications for other gender identities not covered under the existing law.