The actor Elliot Page announced yesterday that he is transgender and his announcement has focused world-wide attention today on the issue of transgender rights. The national transgender healthcare steering committee was set up to "develop a seamless and integrated service" for those who present with gender identity issues, with clear pathways of care so that the needs of patient and their families are placed at the centre of service delivery. The committee concluded its work nine months ago, in March, but the report and its recommendations have yet to be published, a fact that is causing real concern and a degree of bewilderment in our transgender community. When will the report and its recommendations be published? When will implementation of the report's recommendations begin?

It is not satisfactory that the report has not been published, notwithstanding the pandemic. Much has happened since March and a lot of normal activity in terms of the way Departments operate has been put on hold but that in itself is not an excuse for the failure to publish this very important report. I will follow up on that, find out why the report has not been published and seek to get it published. Along with the publication, I will ensure that an implementation plan is put in place based on the report's recommendations.