Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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858. To ask the Minister for Health when the report and recommendations agreed by the national transgender healthcare steering committee will be published in view of the fact that it concluded its work in March 2020; when implementation will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37093/20]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The steering committee on the development of HSE transgender identity services was formed in May, 2019 to address specific issues in relation to the development of transgender identity services.  The remit of the committee is to develop a seamless and integrated service for those who present with gender identity issues, with clear pathways of care so that the needs of the patient and their families are placed at the centre of service delivery. 

The HSE has recognised the need to develop gender identity services, with the funding made available to develop services in recent years. This included the appointment of consultant endocrinologists to both the adult and children’s services, as well as a consultant psychiatrist to the adult service. There was also funding for additional team members.

The committee included a wide range of stakeholders from the agencies involved in delivering care as well as service user representatives and was chaired by the former national clinical advisor and group lead for mental health services.

I am informed that, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, additional time is required to collate the information for the final report. I am advised that the report will be published as soon as possible.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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859. To ask the Minister for Health if steps can be taken to address the fact that in just one year the national gender service waiting list has gone from 15 months to more than three years; if immediate action will be taken to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37094/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.

Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols. The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.

The National Gender Service provides specialist support to people who are seeking medical or surgical interventions to help them affirm their gender. This service has existed in some form in St Columcille’s Hospital for 20 years. Currently, due to the organic development of the Service over time, the National Gender Service operates over two sites: St Columcille’s Hospital and St John of God Community Services. 

In order to provide this Service, a specialised multidisciplinary team (MDT) is needed to deliver effective, safe, individualised care. The National Gender Service delivers this care via a Model of Care that incorporates a holistic individualised MDT assessment, support pathways, and gender affirming interventions. 

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy concerning the National Gender Service, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.