Micheál Martin has committed to extra funding and supports for 16 and 17 year old transgender children.
The Taoiseach said the promise is in the Programme for Government agreed between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens and that he will honour it in 2022.
Mr Martin also said the lack of support for the vulnerable young adults “concerns him” and that he will talk to those affected, seek out extra expertise and open up “an informed debate.”
Mr Martin was speaking to reporters in Government Buildings for the annual roundtable interview before Christmas.
“Certainly I’m supportive of and we want to deliver on the Programme for Government’s commitment on 16 and 17.
He said: “We do need to harness informed opinion on this and expertise in this area.
“But there are many, many young people who need our help and support out there at the moment but are not getting the level of support they need.
“This is something that concerns me and I think we need to work harder and better at providing a more comprehensive range of supports to young people who need the back-up they are currently not getting.
“We settled in the Programme for Government for 16, 17.
“We are open to informed debate on this from the expertise of people who have been involved from a professional perspective - and also the views of young people themselves.
“I think we should consult young trans people to hear their views.
“Many have endured unacceptable bullying in certain situations.
“We need to inform their peers, the wider community in terms of the issues, so there is greater acceptance and also greater support for young people who are going through challenging times.
“We definitely need more supports from the perspective….counselling, help…just other people being able to understand it better.
“Also health supports and provisions, services that they require.
“It’s not there in today’s society.”
