Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I acknowledge the work of Dr. Fitzsimons on women's health. I was delighted earlier this week to be able to expand that. This will be our fifth budget in a row where we really do prioritise women's healthcare. There have been a few important additions which Dr. Fitzsimons and all the other GPs will be aware of and will be part of. One is the expansion of IVF eligibility, which will make a big difference to a lot of couples. The first step on that fertility journey is with the GP. It is they who refer into the six regional centres, who then refer on for IVF. HRT is being made free. This has been welcomed around the country. The medical professionals and GPs are saying it is great because it removes barriers. I was talking to one lady in Wicklow yesterday who said she was spending €1,000 a year on HRT. I commend Dr. Fitzsimons and all of our GPs around the country on their championing of the women's health priorities over the last years.

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