Written answers
Wednesday, 20 March 2024
Department of Health
Health Services
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1259. To ask the Minister for Health whether he or his Department have engaged with representatives from trans organisations in relation to concerns about the national gender service and the formulation of a new model of care; if so, to provide a list of organisations they have engaged with; and if not, whether he will commit to doing so. [11741/24]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that I have met with stakeholders previously on the matter of transgender healthcare and I am happy to meet with these groups again, but ultimately these stakeholders need to talk to the people who are designing the Model of Care, which is the HSE.
As the Deputy may be aware, the HSE is developing an updated and integrated Model of Care for transgender services, informed by the best evidence-based clinical care for individuals who express gender incongruence or dysphoria.
In this regard, the HSE has recently appointed a Clinical Lead for the multi-disciplinary team that will develop the new Model of Care for transgender healthcare under the auspices of the National Clinical Programmes. My department has provided €100,000 funding for the establishment of this team.
A key part of the work will see the HSE consulting with a wide range of stakeholders including those who provide and use these services, and advocacy groups. There is a clear and well-established approach to the development of this model of care which will incorporate best available clinical evidence and incorporates input from healthcare professionals, patient advocates and those with lived experience.
I am happy to continue meeting with stakeholders on this matter, however, as I said, it is crucial that stakeholders engage fully with the HSE as it is they who are designing and developing this new Model of Care.
Below is a list of relevant groups that I / Minister Butler have met with since 2022:
Minister | Year | Groups |
|---|---|---|
| Minister Stephen Donnelly | 2024 | Member of the public |
| Minister Stephen Donnelly | 2023 | Belong To |
| Minister Stephen Donnelly | 2023 | Outhouse |
| Minister Stephen Donnelly | 2023 | Shoutout |
| Minister Stephen Donnelly | 2023 | LGBT Ireland |
| Minister Stephen Donnelly | 2023 | National LGBT Federation |
| Minister Stephen Donnelly | 2023 | TENI |
| Minister Mary Butler | 2022 | HSE |
| Minister Mary Butler | 2022 | LGBT Ireland |
| Minister Mary Butler | 2022 | Belong To |
| Minister Mary Butler | 2022 | LGBT Ireland |
| Minister Mary Butler | 2022 | TENI |
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1260. To ask the Minister for Health whether the National Gender Service has engaged with representatives from trans organisations in relation to concerns about the national gender service and the formulation of a new model of care; if so, to provide a list of organisations they have engaged with; and if not, whether he will commit to doing so. [11743/24]
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1261. To ask the Minister for Health to detail the level of stakeholder engagement conducted by the National Gender Service; and to provide a list of organisations they have met with. [11744/24]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1260 and 1261 together.
As this is a service matter I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1262. To ask the Minister for Health the work that is being conducted in his Department to increase training for GPs in relation to trans healthcare provision. [11745/24]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter I have referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for response.
Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1263. To ask the Minister for Health the total number of patients who received gender affirming care abroad and were then denied treatment by the National Gender Service on their return or arrival to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11746/24]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
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