Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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1628. To ask the Minister for Health what care pathways are in place for under 18s requiring gender affirming care as a result of clinical psychologist diagnosed gender dysphoria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17546/23]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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As this PQ refers to service delivery, I have referred this PQ to the HSE for direct reply.

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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1629. To ask the Minister for Health in the context of a person under 18 years of age who has been diagnosed with gender dysphoria by a clinical psychologist; what to do when they do not have access to a psychiatrist or endocrinologist due to a lack of care pathways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17547/23]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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In 2020, a steering committee was established to address specific issues in relation to the development of transgender healthcare services. The committee had a wide range of stakeholders from the agencies involved in delivering care, as well as service user representatives, including a representative from TENI.

Further to the Cass Interim Report on the Tavistock Clinic, the HSE held an event recently with Dr Hillary Cass, which was attended by a wide range of stakeholders from the HSE, the Department of Health, Children’s Heath Ireland, the Ireland East Hospital Group and others involved in providing services for under 18's.

The HSE is committed to developing a seamless and integrated service for those with gender identity issues on an ongoing basis, with the support of all relevant stakeholders, and are focused on providing a high quality and safe service to an often extremely vulnerable patient group. Throughout this process, the HSE will be consulting with a wide range of stakeholders in the development of the new model of care. Including those who provide and use these services, and advocacy groups.

I am committed to the development by the HSE of a well-governed and patient-centred health care service for adults and children in the transgender community.