Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 May 2026
504. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health in light of confirmation that no structured national data collection system currently exists in respect of gender-related healthcare services, whether her Department has conducted any formal risk assessment regarding the operation of such services in the absence of comprehensive national data; and if so, to provide details of that assessment, including date, scope and findings. [33656/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra505. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether she accepts that the absence of a national dataset capturing referral numbers, treatments, outcomes and associated costs for minors accessing gender-related healthcare represents a governance gap; and if so, the steps being taken at Departmental level to address this. [33657/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra506. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health to specify the current governance and accountability framework at departmental level for oversight of gender-related healthcare services for minors, including the identification of the office or official with ultimate responsibility for policy and clinical oversight. [33658/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra508. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether she has sought or received any assurance from the HSE that adequate clinical governance, audit, and safeguarding mechanisms are currently in place for gender-related healthcare services for minors; and if so, to outline the basis of such assurances. [33660/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra510. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has undertaken any evaluation of the financial governance arrangements associated with gender-related healthcare services for minors, including expenditure tracking, cost controls, or value-for-money assessment; and if so, to provide details. [33662/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra511. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether she considers it appropriate that gender-related healthcare services for minors are currently operating in the absence of a completed national model of care, national audit structures, and comprehensive data collection systems; and if so, the basis for that position. [33663/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra526. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether she is satisfied that the absence of a national audit or review of gender healthcare referral pathways since 2023 is consistent with her Department’s obligations in respect of clinical governance and patient safety; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33738/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra527. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether her Department has directed the HSE to establish structured national data collection systems in respect of gender healthcare referrals and outcomes, including those funded through the treatment abroad scheme; the timeline for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33739/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra533. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether she accepts that the absence of structured data collection, national audit, and a defined clinical governance framework represents a policy gap in the oversight of gender healthcare services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33745/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 504, 505, 506, 508, 510, 511, 526, 527 and 533 together.
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 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.
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. The HSE National Clinical Programme for Gender Healthcare will include a clinical framework for the clinical support and management of children and young people in primary, secondary and specialist care settings, and matters such as the collection of clinical data will be considered in the development of this model of care.
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.
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.
