Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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644. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to conduct a review of services for transgender people, with a view to increasing provision to meet demand, increase locations, and reduce costs for persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23786/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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645. To ask the Minister for Health his view on the existence of a religious ethos in hospitals and other health services; his views that this has a negative impact on employment equality in healthcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23787/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Since the 1st April 2005, recruitment for appointments to positions in the HSE has been subject to the provisions of the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act, 2004 (the Act) and has been regulated by the (CPSA). Appointments to positions in the Health Service Executive, apart from those positions which are subject to the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act 1926, are subject to the Code of Practice published by the CPSA. The Code of Practice sets out the regulatory framework for appointment to positions in the civil and public service, and details how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis.

Principal 4 of the Code of Practice relates specifically to the fairness of the appointment process. It states that any form of unacceptable or unlawful direct or indirect discrimination, whether active or passive is wholly opposed. It also states that the selection process adopted and the manner in which it is applied must be undertaken with real commitment to equality of opportunity. Office holders have an obligation to treat candidates fairly, to a consistent standard and in a consistent manner.

The HSE operate an equal opportunity/diversity policy which aims to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all staff and all potential staff and protects their dignity at all times. It covers all aspects of employment including recruitment and selection, dignity at work and conditions of employment.

These rigorous provisions are in place to ensure that discrimination on any grounds does not arise in any recruitment process and has no place in Ireland's public health sector.

I hope that this clarifies and answers the question adequately for the Deputy.