Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)

I very much welcome the publication of the endometriosis clinical guidelines that were published recently. This is a very positive step forward for the thousands of women who suffer with this condition. One in ten women in Ireland is believed to suffer from it. Many of them suffer in silence. The guidelines specifically state that the clinical guidelines should be used in conjunction with the national framework. However, the national framework has yet to be published. It was due to be published last year. From speaking with the representatives, my understanding is that the discussions have yet to commence between the GP organisation and the HSE. We are coming into the summer recess. I seek a commitment from the Taoiseach to progress with the discussions so we can get to a stage where the national framework can be published. From speaking to many GPs across my constituency, there is a significant level of backlog due to many retirements and additional work that has been heaped on them.

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