Irish Examiner view: Irish questions arising from the Cass review

Another reminder perhaps that while outsourcing treatments and tests to other countries can seem a smart and efficient solution, it can — as it did with the cervical smear controversy — produce its own problems

The Cass review findings will have a significant impact on Ireland’s policies. Picture: Yui Mok/PA

Despite a busy week for news, dominated by the accession of Simon Harris to the role of Taoiseach, it’s slightly surprising that more attention was not paid to a serious matter which touched upon one of his previous portfolios — health.

The controversies generated by a review of the work of the , at one time projected as the centre of expertise for healthcare for transgender children, might superficially seem to be several steps removed from the Republic of Ireland. However, between 2011 and 2021, some 234 young people in Ireland, an average of 21 per year, were referred to the establishment in north London which offers a gender identity development service programme.