Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government commits to create and implement a general health policy for transpeople, based on a best practice model for care in line with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, and to deliver a framework for the development of national gender clinics and multidisciplinary teams for children and adults. The HSE is committed to building services for the transgender community in accordance with international best practice across a number of programmes, including mental health, acute hospitals and primary care. This includes a robust and agreed care pathway for young people with gender dysphoria in line with international best practice.

A decision was made by the UK clinic referenced by the Deputy to suspend new referrals for under-16s following a High Court ruling in England. This suspension impacts on patients who have historically had access to the UK service through the HSE treatment abroad scheme. The office of the national clinical advisor and group lead for mental health is involved in ongoing discussions with the HSE treatment abroad scheme in order to identify alternative gender identity clinics abroad that would facilitate referral, with particular reference to the psychology assessment component of the care pathway, pending the development of a national child and adolescent service. Fidelity to the clinical model of care approved by the HSE is essential in advance of considering alternative referral routes.

I am committed to the development by the HSE of a well-governed and patient-centred healthcare service for adults and children in the transgender community in line with the programme for Government.

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