Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach. I will make a number of quick points. Will the Minister of State agree to look at the fact that there are separate lists for hormone replacement therapy, HRT, with cisgender people being placed on one list and transgender people being placed on another, instead of everyone being one the one list? This is causing delays. The HSE is trying to state it does not happen, but members of the transgender community are the ones who are trying to access the service and, therefore, best equipped to know if it is their experience.

There is an ongoing recruitment process, but it is still very much led by psychiatry. Will the Minister of State examine the possibility of Department of Health officials meeting members of the This is Me campaign because they have solid proposals to make, an understanding and insight into the reason this is a problem, rather than having a much more holistic approach focused on the issue as if it was a mental health disorder. They are constantly sent through psychiatry services before they can access HRT. Will the Minister of State consider the possibility of departmental officials meeting members of the This is Me campaign and investigate the separation of lists for HRT.