Pádraig Rice (Cork South-Central, Social Democrats)
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105. To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the development of a new model of care for transgender healthcare services; the current timeframe for competition of this work; if she will commit to increasing the funding provided to the development of this new model in budget 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52410/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the provision of proper, appropriate, and integrated gender healthcare services is something that I and the HSE want to ensure is in place for those who are questioning their gender identity or are experiencing gender incongruence or dysphoria.

As per the Programme for Government 2025, the Government is committed to ensuring a transgender healthcare service 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. The Clinical lead is in place and recruitment is ongoing for the rest of the multi-disciplinary team.

The Department has provided funding of €770,000 for 2025 to support the development of the updated clinical model of care for gender.

A Clinical Advisory Group has been established and was convened in June 2025 with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and work is underway to review the evidence.

The HSE commenced the systematic review on the evidence base with respect to co-existing clinical needs in gender diverse people with support from the HSE Library Service. Interim results of this review were made available for public consultation during the month of August 2025. The HSE will now review any submissions and complete the evidence review.

Lived experience engagement design sessions, attended by a number of advocacy groups, were held in July and September. These sessions were held to inform the development of a plan to maximise stakeholder engagement.

Developing a Model of Care for Gender Healthcare Services is expected to be a complex process, and my department and the HSE will work closely together to support this process, ensuring transparency and keeping the patient at the centre.

The HSE must be given time to develop a Model of Care that is based on the best clinical evidence and that will deliver the best outcomes for persons with gender incongruence or dysphoria.

The expected completion date for the HSE Model for Gender Healthcare is 2026. This work will also inform an implementation plan for its delivery.

Funding for the HSE is approved by the Oireachtas as part of the annual Budget and Estimates process.

Work on Budget 2026 is currently in progress within my Department. Formal evaluation of priorities will occur in the coming weeks, during which a range of factors must be carefully examined before final decisions are made. My department will thoroughly review all funding requests, whether for new or ongoing initiatives. I am committed to supporting measures that bring meaningful and positive improvements to gender healthcare.