Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2026
302. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Health if any policy or regulatory provision exists that restricts the ability of general practitioners to prescribe hormones to transgender patients; and, if so, the legal basis for this restriction. [38288/26]
View answerThe prescribing of medicines, treatments, or therapies to a patient is a clinical determination made by the medical practitioner concerned based on their medical expertise and patient knowledge.
As per Section 34 of the Medical Council’s Guide to Professional Conduct & Ethics, a medication, treatment or therapy should only be prescribed when the medical practitioner has an adequate knowledge of the patient’s condition and believes that such prescription is indicated.
The Government is committed, as per the Programme for Government 2025, to ensuring a transgender healthcare service that is based on clinical evidence, respect, inclusiveness and compassion.
My department has provided funding to the HSE in 2024, 2025 and this year for the establishment and development of the National Clinical Programme for Gender Healthcare. This programme is developing 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.
Developing a model of care for Gender Healthcare Services is a complex process and the HSE and my department are working closely together to support the process, ensure transparency and keep the patient at the centre of the process.
