Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) requested the National Quality and Patient Safety Directorate to review the interim Cass report and how it applies to clinical pathways from Ireland.

The Department welcomed this thorough, consultative and clinical review of the interim Cass report, and has considered its implications. The Department also understands that based on the recommendations of this report, the HSE has identified the need to develop an updated and integrated Model of Care for transgender services in Ireland, informed by the best evidence-based clinical care for individuals who express gender incongruence or dysphoria.

The HSE is establishing a team to lead the development an updated model of care for the treatment of gender dysphoria. As an initial step, the HSE has recently advertised for the post of Clinical Lead for Transgender Services, this has been done through the standard recruitment procedure within the HSE. This person will be the Model of Care and Implementation Plan Development Lead for Transgender Care. The recruitment campaign closed on Thursday, 12th October 2023 at 3pm.

Throughout this process, the HSE will address the waiting times faced by those who wish to access care for gender dysphoria. The HSE has committed that a key part of this work will see the HSE 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 understand that the HSE is also working to identify an alternative pathway for children/young people experiencing protracted waiting times. Discussions are underway with the paediatric endocrinology service at Children's Health Ireland and also with a psychology service to work on an interim solution until a full dedicated multidisciplinary service is established. As the international evidence base is continually evolving on this matter, decisions regarding treatment of children and young people are a clinical matter for the treating clinician, the patient and their family.

I am committed to the development by the HSE of a well-governed and patient-centered health care service for adults and children in the transgender community, in line with the Programme for Government, and informed by consultation with the transgender community.