Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. I know it has been a source of huge frustration, annoyance and anger for people who want to know when this will become available. Budget 2025 announced the intention to fund the medicine cost of hormone replacement therapy products prescribed to women to help to manage the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause. This is for women who have been prescribed HRT by their healthcare provider. It applies to those products reimbursable by the HSE. The measure is not intended to cover pharmacy or GP fees. The Department of Health engaged with both the HSE and the IPU regarding the practical roll-out of this measure.

That engagement is ongoing but I have spoken directly to the new Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who is very determined to progress this. I will ask her to revert to the Deputy directly on a timeline.

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