The Government is committed to the development by the HSE of a well-governed and patient-centred health care service for adults and children in the transgender community, in line with the Programme for Government.
The Department of Health welcomed the Cass report and has considered its findings. The HSE commissioned a further report on the implications from the Cass report for Ireland. The Department understands that based on the recommendations of this report, the HSE has identified the need to develop an updated and integrated model of care for transgender services in Ireland, informed by the best evidence-based clinical care for individuals who express gender incongruence or dysphoria.
Throughout this process, the HSE will address the waiting times faced by those who wish to access care for gender dysphoria. A key part of this work will see the HSE consulting with a wide range of stakeholders in the development of the new model of care. Including those who provide and use these services, and advocacy groups.
The HSE is also working to identify an alternative pathway for children/young people experiencing protracted waiting times. Discussions are underway with the paediatric endocrinology service at CHI and also with a psychology service to work on an interim solution until a full dedicated multidisciplinary service is established for Ireland.
