Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I take on board all issues raised during this discussion. I note that all of us in this House want to ensure that the transgender community is given the proper, appropriate and integrated care and support they need to live their authentic, fulfilling lives. The new model of care will aim to do just that.

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 to ensure transparency and keep the patient at the centre of the process.

As I said in my opening statement, consultation with stakeholders will be a crucial part of this work. However, it is important that the HSE is given time to develop a model of care that is based on the best clinical evidence and that will deliver the best outcomes for persons with gender incongruence or dysphoria.

It is not possible to pre-empt the outcome of this process by determining at this stage what this model of care will look like once developed. The long-term aim is to provide a wide rage of services for all people with gender incongruence or dysphoria, from care locally in the community to more specialised and complex care. I am committed to building a service based on experience, clinical evidence, respect, inclusiveness and compassion.

Please rest assured that the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, is committed to the development of a well governed and patient-centred healthcare service for the transgender community.