3 Jul 2013, 16:02
Transgender health issues will be on the agenda of the Committee of Health and Children at its meeting tomorrow, Thursday, 4th July 2013.
Attending tomorrow’s meeting are: Tanya Ni Mhuirthille, Vanessa Lacey, Broden Giambrone, Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI); Dr Philip Crowley, National Director, Quality and Patient Safety, Caoimhe Gleeson, National Specialist in Accessibility and Louise Mullen, Senior Researcher Health Intelligence, Health Service Executive
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “We’re looking forward to our meeting with TENI which seeks to improve conditions and advance the rights and equality of trans people and their families, and also with the HSE. Irish and international reports have consistently found that many trans people experience, in particular, mental health concerns at some point in their life, linked to social stigma, prejudice and discrimination, alienation from family and friends and social isolation. So it is important that the health issues and concerns of trans people are adequately addressed. There is a real need to develop healthcare pathways for trans people in Ireland to ensure that they are receiving the care and attention that is needed. This presents a new challenge for our health services and for our medical professionals who are working hard to ensure that adequate systems and training are put in place. Tomorrow we will have an opportunity to get an update on transgender health issues and the progress which is being made in our healthcare system in addressing these issues.”
The meeting will start at 9.30am in Committee Room 2 tomorrow, Thursday, 4th July 2013.
Committee proceedings can be followed live at:
http://www.oireachtas.ie/parliament/watchlisten/
For further information please contact:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
Committee Membership:
Deputies
Jerry Buttimer, Fine Gael
Catherine Byrne, Fine Gael
Sandra McLellan, Sinn Fein
Ciara Conway, Labour Party
Regina Doherty, Fine Gael
Robert Dowds, Labour Party
Peter Fitzpatrick, Fine Gael
Seamus Healy, Independent
Billy Kelleher, Fianna Fáil
Eamonn Maloney, Labour Party
Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Fine Gael
Mattie McGrath, Independent
Denis Naughten, Independent
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, Sinn Fein
Robert Troy, Fianna Fáil
Senators
Colm Burke, Fine Gael
John Crown, Independent
John Gilroy, Labour Party
Imelda Henry, Fine Gael
Marc Mac Sharry, Fianna Fáil
Jillian Van Turnhout, Independent