Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Hourigan. She made some valid and interesting points, which I take on board. I will refer them to the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, and ask that he take them on board as well. The Minister wants to ensure that members of the transgender community are given the proper, appropriate and integrated care and support they need to live authentic, fulfilling lives. The new model of care aims to do just that and it will be at the heart of it. The development of the new model of care for gender healthcare services is expected to be a complex process and the HSE and the Department of Health will work closely to support the process, ensure transparency and keep the patient at the centre of everything.

As I said, consultation with stakeholders will be a crucial part of this work. However, as the Deputy said, it is important that the HSE is given time to develop a model of care based on the best clinical evidence that will deliver the best outcomes for the person with gender dysphoria. As I said, the expert clinical group's review of the Cass report is specific. It is a defined piece of work that is independent of the HSE but I take on board the concerns raised by the Deputy and will bring them to the Minister. It is not possible to pre-empt the outcome of the review, but it is possible to say that-----

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