Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I broadly welcome this plan. It addresses many issues that Sinn Féin has been raising for years. Much will depend on how it is resourced. Words are all well and good, but real action is needed. I welcome the fact that €31 million has been ring-fenced for the plan. I hope that it is targeted towards service delivery so that women benefit from it.

In Sinn Féin's "Advancing Women's Healthcare" document, we called for universal access to contraception. It is good to see that 17- to 25-year-olds are being catered for, but we would like to see the scheme expanded. Some €700,000 is being allocated to tackling period poverty and the Minister stated that a policy was being worked on. When can we expect to see it?

Sinn Féin has been calling for mobile health units for homeless women for years. There is nothing in the document that focuses on improving access for women who are homeless, which is disappointing. There is no mention of women in direct provision either. Two of the most vulnerable groups of women have been overlooked in this plan.

My colleague, Deputy Clarke, received an answer to a parliamentary question stating that 31,000 women were waiting on gynaecology appointments. This is a perfect example of the challenges that women are facing in accessing the care they need. If it is a staffing issue, it must be addressed immediately rather than in a couple of months' time.

The four menopause clinics are welcome. Work needs to begin on them as soon as possible.

Resources need to follow this plan for it to be effective in a way that benefits women. Like all good plans, delivery is key.

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