Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 392: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the facilities or advice available to transsexuals here who seek medical assistance in dealing with their transsexualism; if there are plans to provide health care resources to enable transsexuals who wish medical transition to do so; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1162/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Department of Health and Children, in conjunction with the Equality Authority and the Health Service Executive, has been meeting in the last year to review services for individuals with Gender Identity Disorder. In order to facilitate this, a seminar was held last year at which the Minister for Health and Children spoke and which drew together clinicians who currently provide services to this patient group. It has been agreed by those conducting the review that, owing to the relatively small number of cases of this condition, it would be inappropriate to develop the complex surgical services required in this country. With regard to clinical, psychological and psychiatric services, these are available in Ireland and can provide a professional assessment prior to any medical or surgical intervention.