Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) publishes the Standards of Care and Ethical Guidelines, which articulate a professional consensus about the psychiatric, psychological, medical and surgical management of gender dysphoria. The guidelines are designed to help professionals understand the parameters within which they may offer assistance to those with gender dysphoria conditions.

The guidelines are designed to be flexible and, as described in the document, adaptations are suggested depending on the local clinical professional codes of conduct and regulatory and legislative frameworks. In Ireland, the diagnosis of gender dysphoria and clinical pathways for physical transitions are provided in the context of Irish professional codes, as well as regulatory and legislative frameworks, informed by WPATH Guidelines.

I am satisfied that the treatment of gender dysphoria in the Irish healthcare services reflects best practice in meeting the complex needs of transgender people.