Natasha Newsome Drennan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)

-----we need look no further than the treatment of those suffering from endometriosis. Despite one in ten women having this condition, there is currently a nine-year delay in diagnosis. This allows the disease free rein to spread, causing irreversible damage to organs.

Three weeks ago Senator McCormack, Deputy Cullinane and I hosted a public meeting on endometriosis in Kilkenny city. Dozens of women attended and shared their personal battles with the disease. That meeting gave a glimpse into the immense suffering endured by so many. Far too many women across Carlow-Kilkenny and throughout the State are suffering in silence. Repeatedly, we heard about the delay in diagnosis, misdiagnosis, inadequate care and denial of access to proper treatments. These women spoke of Ireland's utter lack of treatment options and the devastating impact on their personal lives.

I heard from one mother whose teenage daughter has been forced to drop out of all sports due to the crippling impact of the disease. There are countless teenage girls throughout Ireland whose parents are being told by doctors that it is all in their head, they are blowing it out of all proportion and that it is just something teenage girls go through. These outdated methods from doctors are an insult to the women of Ireland. They are devastating the lives of these young girls and resulting in high rates of absence from school. Not only do we need adequate treatment, but we also need awareness in schools throughout Ireland to ensure teenage girls are not suffering in silence, that they know they are not alone, and that there is support.

One thing that is echoed in the voices of the women in the Public Gallery is that they do not want to travel abroad for their operations or treatment. They want to have them here in Ireland-----

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