As set out in the Programme for Government 2025, this Government is committed to ensuring a gender 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 and the HSE want to ensure is in place for those who are questioning their gender identity or are experiencing gender incongruence or dysphoria.
A new clinical programme for gender healthcare has been initiated by the HSE, and over the next two years an updated clinical model for gender healthcare services will be developed. This work will inform an implementation plan for its delivery.
The model of care will be developed in a consultative way, engaging with stakeholders, healthcare professionals working in gender healthcare, those that use and receive support from the service and their families. The initial work will involve carrying out an evidence-based review of current research.
International evidence on clinical interventions, including but not limited to hormone therapies and gender affirming surgery, will be included in this review of the evidence base. The Model of Care will consider all available information, and will not be aligned with any one study, report, or set of guidelines.
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.
In short, I and the Government as a whole, remains strongly committed to the development of appropriate gender healthcare services.
In respect of gender recognition arrangements, Section 7 of the Gender Recognition Act 2015 (GRA 2015) required the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to commence a review of the Act within 2 years of its coming into operation, and to report to the Oireachtas within 12 months of the commencement of the review. The implementation of the review groups recommendations is a matter for the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
