Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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624. To ask the Minister for Health her plans to expand the availability of free HRT products beyond the treatment of menopause symptoms to transgender people as part of gender-affirming healthcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49933/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Under the HRT measure, which came into effect on 1 June 2025, where a woman has been prescribed a Hormone Replacement Therapy product by her healthcare provider for the purpose of alleviating the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause, the cost of the HRT medications or products, and the dispensing fees will be met by the State.

This measure is intended to support the management of the symptoms of menopause and, therefore, relates to the provision of treatment for the symptoms a specific medical condition/life stage i.e. menopause. HRT is the most commonly used treatment for managing symptoms of menopause and has shown to be the most effective intervention.

Menopause has been highlighted as a key priority area by the Women’s Health Taskforce. It is a key action in the Women’s Health Action Plans. A number of measures have been implemented in recent years to improve the experience of menopause for women in Ireland, including this HRT arrangement.

I am aware that HRT is used in the treatment of other medical conditions/circumstances, including gender-affirming healthcare, hypogonadism, IVF, and some cancer treatments. However, the current provision of the Free HRT Arrangement, legislated for under the Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Act 2024, limits eligibility to those whose healthcare provider has prescribed HRT to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.

I am aware of the concerns raised regarding care for transgender individuals. As per the Programme for Government 2025, this Government is committed to ensuring a transgender healthcare service that is based on clinical evidence, respect, inclusiveness, and compassion.

A new clinical programme for gender healthcare has been initiated by the HSE and an updated clinical model for gender healthcare services is being developed. This work will inform an implementation plan for its delivery.

Developing a Model of Care for Gender Healthcare Services is expected to be a complex process. As such, the HSE and officials in my department will work closely together to support the process, ensure transparency and keep the patient at the centre of the process. It is important that the HSE is given time to develop a model of care that is based on the best clinical evidence and that will deliver the best outcomes for person with gender incongruence or dysphoria.