Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2026
310. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if there is provision of funds to provide for future medical malpractice lawsuits that may be taken against the Government as a result of children having undergone irreversible gender transition surgery. [10623/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State Claims Agency has a statutory remit to manage personal injury and third-party property damage claims on behalf of State authorities. The SCA seeks reimbursement from the relevant State authority for costs incurred by it in managing claims on an ongoing basis. Provision for these costs is made as part of the annual estimates process and the incurred costs arising are met from current expenditure. Provision is not made for potential claims that may arise in the future.
As 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. If specialised gender assessment and support is required, children are then referred by a CAMHS consultant to the NHS Children and Young People’s Gender Service in the U.K. under the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for a multidisciplinary assessment. Gender affirming surgery is not available for children and young people in Ireland. Additionally, in Ireland, no person under the age of 18 has been referred for gender affirming surgery under TAS.
