Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
383. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the work that has been carried out by his Department and the HSE with regard to the specific physical and mental health needs and clinical pathways for intersex persons in Ireland as distinct from transgender persons; if he will develop a strategy in this regard through engagement with intersex persons and representative organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13645/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 commits to ensuring LGBTI+ people, including intersex people, can fully and equally avail of mainstream health services. It seeks to eliminate barriers that may prevent LGBTI+ people, including intersex people, from accessing health and social services due to a lack of understanding of their specific needs and a lack of targeted service promotion.
The actions in the strategy aim to reduce barriers to access to health services and to improve health outcomes for the LGBTI+ community, including intersex people. A specific objective is that better data are available on the prevalence of intersex conditions and that consideration is given to appropriate clinical governance in the context of international evidence and guidelines.
The development of the strategy was underpinned by a robust consultation process, with a series of regional and thematically focused workshops facilitated by leading LGBTI+ experts and researchers. . In addition, specific workshop sessions were organised for intersex people and other groups to ensure that the voices of the more marginalised members of the LGBTI+ community were adequately heard.
As the specific physical and mental health needs and clinical pathways for intersex persons are a service matter, the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
