Ken O’Flynn TD: Key questions on gender healthcare for children remain unanswered

Ken O’Flynn TD has said the Government must explain why key questions on gender healthcare for children and young people remain unanswered after new correspondence from the HSE.

Speaking today, Deputy O’Flynn said the response he received fails to provide basic information on clinical practice, diagnostic standards, safeguarding procedures, long-term outcomes, or the impact of the Cass Review on Irish services. He said this raises serious concerns about transparency and patient safety.

Deputy O’Flynn said the HSE has confirmed that there is no national system to track long-term outcomes for children or adults, including psychological effects, medical interventions, or cases of detransition. He said the absence of this information in a sensitive area of care is unacceptable.

He noted that the HSE did not give a publication date for the expert review on the Cass findings or explain what interim clinical changes have been introduced. He said families, clinicians and schools need clear guidance that is rooted in evidence.

Deputy O’Flynn said he will now press the Minister for Health for full answers. He said Irish families expect clinical oversight, strong safeguards, and honest information. He said these standards cannot be met without clear data, open governance, and transparent decision-making.

Deputy O’Flynn added that he will continue to raise this matter in the Dáil until the Government provides the public with accurate information on how children are assessed, how decisions are made, and how services will be brought into line with international evidence.