Health Services Access

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 January 2018

Thursday, 18 January 2018

Questions (208)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

208. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his views on removing the requirement for a psychiatric evaluation for a transgender person seeking hormone treatment. [2588/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 for consideration in January 2017. The model was developed in consultation with key treating clinicians, planners, policy makers, advocates and service users and outlines key services required to ensure the needs of the transgender population are addressed.

In line with evidence-based international best practice, a thorough assessment is a pre-requisite to commencing hormone suppressants in Ireland. This is to ensure that the correct path is being taken for the individual and to ensure co-morbid issues are identified and addressed.