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

I am committed to supporting the HSE in ensuring that people wishing to transition their gender have timely access to treatment that accords with the best practice. I note the Senator's welcome for the report. I want to see the HSE develop a well-governed and patient-centred healthcare service for adults and children in the transgender community in line with the programme for Government.

The report of the steering committee on the development of HSE transgender identity services is an important step in achieving this objective. Already the committee has achieved two tangible outcomes and its seven recommendations are in train. I am seeking a further update on the implementation of the committee's recommendation over the recent months from the new national clinical lead in mental health, Dr. Amir Niazi. I commend the work of the steering committee and I would welcome the early publication of its report by the HSE.

The six calls from the advocate for the group should be responded to. I know many people in the Department are working on Covid, as I have seen with people working in the sections dealing with alcohol and tobacco. However, they should be able to reply to a phone call. I will also bring that back.