Ken O'Flynn

1852. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, whether the HSE recognises gender dysphoria as a medical or scientific condition; and the diagnostic criteria or international guidelines on which this recognition is based. [58818/25]

1853. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845, of 30 September 2025, the aftercare supports which are provided to individuals who undergo gender affirmation surgery abroad under HSE funding, including post-surgical follow-up, psychological supports, and ongoing medical treatment. [58819/25]

1854. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the protocols which are in place for individuals who later regret or reverse their decision to undergo gender affirmation surgery, including whether the HSE provides medical or psychological support in such cases and if reversal or reconstructive procedures are funded. [58820/25]

1855. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, if an independent review or audit of the HSE’s overseas gender affirmation surgery programme has been undertaken, and if not, whether the Minister will commission one to evaluate clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction, and long-term impacts. [58821/25]

1856. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the criteria used by the HSE to assess eligibility for funding gender affirmation surgery abroad; and the grounds on which an application may be refused. [58822/25]

1857. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, whether individuals whose applications for HSE funding for gender affirmation surgery abroad have been refused are provided with written reasons for the decision; and if they are informed of their right to appeal. [58823/25]

1858. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the appeal process available to individuals whose applications for HSE funding for gender affirmation surgery abroad have been refused, including the number of appeals submitted and the number subsequently overturned. [58814/25]

1859. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, if there is a standardised clinical review or multidisciplinary panel within the HSE that determines refusals for gender affirmation surgery funding; and the professional backgrounds of those involved in such decisions. [58824/25]

1860. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, whether any applications for gender affirmation surgery funding abroad have been refused on the basis of age, psychological readiness, co-existing mental health conditions, or lack of medical evidence; and to provide details on the way in which such determinations are made. [58825/25]

1861. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, if individuals who are refused HSE funding for gender affirmation surgery abroad are offered alternative supports within Ireland, such as counselling, hormone therapy, or local surgical referral pathways. [58826/25]

1862. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the age profile of service users who have undergone gender-affirming surgery through the Transgender Adult Service; the age of the youngest service user since the relevant legislation was introduced; and the age of the oldest service user. [58827/25]

1863. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the assessment process in place for service users prior to being approved for gender-affirming procedures; the aftercare supports provided following such procedures; and whether service users are required to pay for the assessment process or aftercare services. [58828/25]

1864. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 845 of 30 September 2025, the percentage of the total cost of gender-affirming surgery that is covered by the Transgender Adult Service. [58829/25]

1906. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the rationale for restricting the free contraception scheme to women aged 17–35; if she will outline the evidence base used to determine these age limits; and if she will set out a timeline for the scheme’s extension to all women. [59163/25]

1907. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health whether a cost–benefit analysis has been undertaken to assess the financial and public health impact of extending the free contraception scheme to all women, including those aged 36 and above. [59164/25]

1908. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she has sought legal or equality advice regarding whether the current age restrictions on the free contraception scheme could constitute age discrimination under equality legislation. [59165/25]

1909. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has undertaken an equality impact assessment under the public sector equality and human rights duty in relation to the free contraception scheme; if she will outline the outcome of that assessment; and if she will address concerns that the current age-based eligibility criteria may constitute indirect discrimination on the grounds of age or gender under the Equal Status Acts. [59166/25]

1910. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has examined whether restricting access to free contraception to women aged 17–35 is compatible with the Equal Status Acts and the public sector equality and human rights duty. [59167/25]

1999. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total number of funded but unfilled HSE posts nationwide as of the latest date available, broken down by grade and region, and the number of such posts in the South/South-West Hospital Group, in view of reports indicating that more than 6,500 positions remain vacant despite allocated funding. [59633/25]

2000. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to expedite the recruitment and appointment of staff to approved but unfilled HSE posts, particularly in Cork and the wider Munster region, where hospitals and community services report persistent staffing shortages. [59634/25]

2001. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the number of approved 2024 HSE staff posts which have been filled to date; and the proportion of those recruited on permanent, temporary, or agency contracts. [59635/25]

2002. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the average time taken between the sanctioning of a HSE post and the formal appointment of a successful candidate; and the reforms being implemented to reduce these delays. [59636/25]

2003. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has conducted any assessment of the impact of ongoing HSE staffing vacancies on waiting lists, emergency department pressures, and community health services; and if she will publish the findings of any such assessment. [59637/25]

2004. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she will consider introducing a dedicated regional recruitment and retention initiative for the South/South-West Hospital Group to address chronic vacancy levels and ensure equitable staffing across the State. [59638/25]

2005. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the total amount of Exchequer funding allocated for HSE pay and staffing in 2024; the amount drawn down to date; and the proportion of that funding which remains unspent due to unfilled posts. [59639/25]