Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
330. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if she will commit to the trans community being consulted before implementing any interim care options while the HSE's transgender model of care is being developed. [70650/25]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, set out in 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. I have acknowledged previously that the current public gender healthcare services are not meeting people’s full range of needs.
It is in this context that the HSE has established a new National Clinical Programme for Gender Healthcare to develop an updated clinical Model of Care with the aim of designing clinical pathways to deliver safe and effective health and social care for those seeking gender affirming healthcare services. This work will also inform an implementation plan for its delivery. As this work will take some time to complete Minister Mary Butler and I have requested that the HSE examine all avenues to improve interim care options while the Model of Care is being developed.
A key aspect of the development of the new model of care is stakeholder consultation. I am committed to ensuring that all stakeholders are heard and actively involved in this process. This inclusivity is vital for the success of the Model of Care that we aim to create.
Gaining an understanding of the experiences of those in the transgender community will be integral to the development of the model of care. That is why there has been and will continue to be a strong focus on the experience base which will bring in stakeholder perspectives and experience, as well as, the evidence base, which relates to the clinical research on the topic. This collaborative approach will ensure that the needs and perspectives of all stakeholders are considered, leading to a more inclusive and effective care model.
A number of lived experience engagement design sessions, attended by several advocacy groups, have already been held to inform the development of a plan to maximise stakeholder engagement. It is our sincere hope and expectation that this approach not only will strength the relevance and inclusivity of the final model but will also lead to better outcomes by the services truly reflect the experiences and populations they are meant to serve.
A cross-speciality Clinical Advisory Group has been established with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland and convened in June 2025 to support the Model of Care design and development. In addition, a working group, which has a number of representatives with direct lived experience has also been established and the first meeting took place recently.
In terms of progressing the model of care, 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 August of this year and the HSE are now reviewing the submissions and completing the evidence review.
Developing a model of care for Gender Healthcare Services is expected to be a complex process and the HSE and 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 persons with gender incongruence or dysphoria.
