David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

If we had a centre of excellence, if we want to call it that, would that also be a centre that could look at issues like improving training for GPs, for example? One of the issues that the witnesses raise in their opening statement, which is a very strong statement but is obviously happening, is that sufferers are frequently dismissed by doctors and sent home with pain medication or oral contraceptives.

The witnesses spoke about GP training through continuous professional development and at undergraduate level. There seems to be an issue with GP awareness, GP training and proper clinical pathways. If we had a centre of excellence and the specialists who understood all those issues better, I imagine we would be in a better place. What is the relationship like with GPs at the moment? Has the Endometriosis Association of Ireland engaged with the Irish College of General Practitioners, ICGP? It makes sense given the issues with training and so on, as the ICGP is the training body for GPs. I see it is not. Okay.

My final question is about surgery. My understanding is there are two different surgeries, ablation and excision. Is there a best practice or gold standard or does it depend on the patient?