David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome all our witnesses. I commend them for their advocacy and campaigning work in this area. In their opening statement, they mentioned some progress that has been made over the last number of years. Of course, we all welcome that. The Minister launched an endometriosis framework in March. Obviously, we want to see that be fit for purpose. Deputy Durkan asked about the gold standard or what is best practice. We all want to achieve best practice across the range of areas that need to be supported.

I want to talk through four key themes. The witnesses mentioned awareness in their opening statement. There are the issues of diagnosis and how important that is, treatment, then supports, aftercare and post-surgery care too.

In their opening statement, the witnesses referred to added complications with menopause. They said it can lead to complications with prescribing the right combination and level of HRT. I have direct experience of this in my family and have had to deal with people who have suffered from it. A number of menopause clinics were established in recent years. Menopause is an area where we have seen more services and discussion, which is all very positive. Is there any priority or easy access for endometriosis sufferers or patients to those menopause clinics? Have the witnesses experienced any difficulties with access to those clinics for patients and sufferers?