Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
669. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health her views on the closure of the national gender service’s waiting list to new clients from 1 March 2026; the engagements she has had with the national gender service and the HSE in respect of this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73492/25]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that, as outlined in the Programme for Government 2025, the Government are committed to ensuring a transgender healthcare service that is based on clinical evidence, respect, inclusiveness and compassion.
The provision of proper, appropriate and integrated gender healthcare services is something that I want to ensure is in place for those who are questioning their gender identity or are experiencing gender incongruence or dysphoria.
On being informed of the National Gender Service plan to close the waiting list to new clients from 1 March 2026, Minister Butler and I immediately arranged to meet the HSE CEO, Mr. Bernard Gloster, to discuss this urgent matter. Following that meeting, the HSE informed the National Gender Service that, under the National Waiting List Management Policy and associated HSE protocols, waiting lists may only be managed in accordance with established, documented procedures that ensure fairness, transparency, and compliance with governance standards.
I am fully committed to ensuring that health services continue to be provided to those who need them, as would be the case with any other service. Minister Butler and I will continue to engage with the HSE to ensure that this happens.
