The High Court has been asked by two leading medical experts to order a judicial review of the State’s treatment of children suffering with gender dysphoria.

The action against the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) is being taken by Prof Donal O’Shea and Dr Paul Moran, both of whom work at the National Gender Service (NGS).

Court papers were lodged on Friday, almost 18 months after Prof O’Shea and Dr Moran made a formal complaint against the Health Service Executive (HSE) with Hiqa over the HSE’s referral of young people for assessment abroad, saying it posed a risk to these children.

A letter effectively dismissing it was sent to the doctors almost three months ago.

Prof O’Shea and Dr Moran have concerns specifically over an early readiness to begin what could be inappropriate and irreversible medical treatment for patients presenting with gender identity issues.