Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2018
131. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is appropriate to require transgender persons to seek a psychiatric diagnosis of gender dysphoria before they can seek endocrinology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2301/18]
View answer132. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue to a query from a person (details supplied) on transgender health care needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2302/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 132 together.
The prevalence of transgender people in Ireland is difficult to estimate as there is no official collection of this data. The HSE, however, points to two significant sources in this respect.
The UK based Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES) have estimated that 1% of individuals may experience some degree of gender variance or non-conformity and approximately 0.2% may undergo transition.
In a recent study, researchers from the Department of Endocrinology in St. Columcille’s Hospital (SCH), Loughlinstown, Dublin reviewed the medical records of 218 patients and estimated prevalence of gender dysphoria at one in 10,154 male-to-female and one to 27,668 female-to-male individuals in the Irish population. These figures, however, only include individuals seeking medical services from that hospital and exclude those who are seeking treatment elsewhere or who do not medically transition.
A proposed model of care for transgender children, adolescents and adults was submitted by the HSE Quality Improvement Division to the HSE Divisions of Primary Care, Mental Health and Acute Hospital programme for consideration in January 2017. The model was developed in consultation with key treating clinicians, planners, policy makers, advocates and service users. The model outlines key services required to ensure the needs of the transgender population including children and adolescents are addressed. It details current service provision and emerging service demand in relation to adults and separately in relation to children and adolescents. It draws on evidence based international best practice and aims to build on services which already exist and develop services where deficits prevail.
A number of initiatives are supported through the Social Inclusion Services including the development of the Gender Identity Skills Training Programme for Clinicians and professionals who work with children and young persons under the age of 18 years who are experiencing gender identity related issues to include General Practitioners, CAMHS Teams, Psychologists.
In response to your query, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
