Ireland has the worst healthcare in the entire European Union for transgender people. That is according to Transgender Europe, which is a network of more than 200 trans rights organisations funded by the EU. Waiting times here are longer than in any of the other 26 EU countries. The time it takes from requesting to see a specialist to getting to see one is between two and a half and ten years. In most other EU states, the wait is less than one year. Trans and Intersex Pride is organising a trans day of remembrance on Saturday, 19 November, when a protest will take place outside Leinster House. Will the Minister accept the organisation's point of view that the delays in trans healthcare are totally unacceptable and the situation must change quickly?

I am more than happy to agree with the Deputy and patient advocates that the current waiting lists in this country are not acceptable. They are not acceptable for trans people and in many other areas of healthcare provision. I met recently with some of the healthcare providers. There are various proposals being looked at to increase capacity and, critically, as the Deputy rightly advocates for, to make sure people have timely access to the best possible care.