Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
759. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the clinical outcome measures, follow-up requirements, or post-operative monitoring arrangements are in place for patients who undergo gender affirmation surgery funded under the treatment abroad scheme; and how such outcomes are recorded and evaluated at a national level. [28046/26]
View answer793. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether clinical outcomes, complications, or follow-up care requirements are recorded for minors referred abroad for gender-related treatment under the treatment abroad scheme; and if so, the mechanisms used to monitor and evaluate these outcomes. [28110/26]
View answer794. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the arrangements are in place within the HSE to provide ongoing clinical care, including psychological and medical follow-up, to minors who have received gender-related treatment abroad under the treatment abroad scheme. [28111/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 759, 793 and 794 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the HSE operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland under Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004, as per the procedures set out in Regulation (EC) No. 987/2009. Subject to the EU Regulations and Guidelines, patients may apply to the HSE TAS seeking access to public health care outside the state through the issue of form S2 (IE). The application requires the patient's referring hospital consultant based in Ireland, following clinical assessment, to certify, among other things, that the treatment is medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs. The treatment must not be available within the State or not available within the time normally necessary for obtaining it in Ireland, taking account of the patient's current state of health and the probable course of the disease. Once a patient is discharged from a specific episode of care abroad, their care immediately reverts to their Irish based consultant.
As detailed clinical arrangements in place regarding services within the HSE following treatment abroad are a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy as soon as possible.
