HSE funded six sex-change operations abroad last year

The Health Service Executive (HSE) paid for six patients to undergo sex-change operations abroad last year, according to records released under the Freedom of Information Act.

It brings to 59 the number of people who have availed of gender reassignment or “sex-change” surgery at taxpayers’ expense under the Treatment Abroad Scheme since 1999.

The procedures are not performed in Irish hospitals but can be arranged in another country and funded by the HSE under the terms of the Treatment Abroad Scheme.