A coalition of leading Irish LGBTQ+ organisations have criticised the National Gender Service (NGS) following its announcement that it will close its waiting list to new patients on March 1 2026.
The groups say the move exposes the extent of a system “in collapse” and will leave thousands of transgender and non-binary people without a viable pathway to essential healthcare.
More than 2,470 people are already on the NGS waiting list, with many having endured years of uncertainty. The service is currently only seeing individuals who were referred four and a half years ago, and community organisations estimate that anyone entering the system today could face a wait of more than ten years. Advocates say the closure of the waiting list effectively strips people of the ability to access gender-affirming care in the public health system.
“When a waiting list closes, it is a sign of a service in collapse. Every person in Ireland understands the anxiety and frustration of a long waiting list, whether it’s for a hip replacement, a diagnostic scan, or mental health support,” said Daire Dempsey, Executive Director of TENI. “For transgender people seeking essential, life-affirming care, this closure represents a devastating denial of their basic right to health. This is a healthcare failure, plain and simple, and it should concern every citizen.”
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The NGS has attributed the decision to chronic under-resourcing and inadequate facilities. However, the coalition argues that the problem extends far deeper than funding alone. For years, the model of care has faced criticism from service users who say it is overly intrusive, outdated, and fails to place patients at the centre of decision-making.
“Throwing money at a system that is fundamentally flawed will not fix the problem. The current model of care, which has been described as intrusive and non-person-centred, has caused a catastrophic breakdown of trust between the National Gender Service and the community it is meant to serve. We need to stop patching up a failed structure and start building something new, safe, and fit for purpose.”
The groups warn that the closure of the waiting list is a critical turning point, echoing patterns seen in other areas of the Irish healthcare system where people resort to self-medication or travel abroad due to extreme delays. They are calling on the Government to rapidly progress a “modern, best-practice healthcare model” that prioritises accessibility, compassion, and clinical expertise.
Dempsey added that the coalition welcomes ongoing work by the Department of Health on a new National Clinical Programme for Gender Healthcare. “It is vital that this work is prioritised and results in a service that is compassionate, timely, and accessible to all who need it.”
The coalition is urging immediate political action to prevent further harm and ensure transgender and non-binary people are not left waiting years for essential, life-saving care.
Groups involved in the coalition are as followed; TENI, Trans Healthcare Action, Gender Rebels, Transgress the NGS, Professional Association for Trans Health Ireland, Belong To – LGBTQ+ Youth Ireland, LINQ Ireland, LGBT Ireland, GOSHH Ireland, National LGBT Federation, Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, GCN (Gay Community News), Midlands LGBT+ Project, The Gay Project, ShoutOut, Mammies for Trans Rights, Intersex Ireland, Dublin LGBTQ+ Pride and Outcomers LGBT+ Support Service
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