Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
610. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department sought or obtained independent clinical advice, evidence appraisal, or risk assessment regarding the appropriateness of continuing referrals of minors to NHS gender identity services following the Cass Review; and if she will outline the governance framework under which such advice was considered. [16026/26]
View answerThe 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.
As the Deputy will be aware and as 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.
It is in this context that the HSE has established a 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.
In the context of current services, there is no specialist gender service for children and young people (under the age of 16), the current pathway for children and young people is to attend their GP who may refer the patient to their local CAMHS service.
As the Deputy will be aware, the HSE National Clinical Programme for Gender Healthcare is developing an updated model of care, due to be completed in 2026, which will include a clinical framework for the clinical support and management of children and young people in primary, secondary and specialist care settings.
The Cass Report has been reviewed by clinical experts within the HSE at the request of the Chief Clinical Officer and the review is currently under consideration by the HSE. This review was a specific and defined piece of work that was independent of the planned update of the HSE Clinical Model of Care for Gender Healthcare. It is the Model of Care that will ultimately make recommendations on the delivery of gender healthcare services in the HSE, for both adults and young people.
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.
