Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)

The Minister's response is not good enough. It is as plain and simple as that. She should hear the stories of all the women in the Gallery. I am proud of my party colleagues, particularly Senator McCormack and my party president, Deputy McDonald, for bringing this motion before the House. It would never be brought to the House by the Government.

Since the beginning of the Sinn Féin campaign to achieve adequate endometriosis services, I have spoken to many people from Mayo who are suffering with this debilitating condition. The Minister paints a particular picture, but women tell me they cannot live with the pain. They are sent to mental health services. If the picture the Minister is painting is correct, why are they being sent to mental health services?

I particularly welcome Ms Sinéad Conlon and her father Dermot, who have come all the way from Mayo this evening. I want to tell the Minister about Ms Conlon's experience in her words. I want the Minister to look her in the face when she is giving her response to this debate. She said she was never listened to as a teenager and it took until the age of 23 to be referred to a specialist, who advised her to have a child because it would help the problem. After having surgery for endometriosis in Ireland and taking the advice, she was still left in horrific pain every day. She got no help or advice and was left completely hopeless. As a self-employed person, she had no income. She asked how she was supposed to live and provide for her child.

Ms Conlon reported that the pain she experienced every day was all over her body and described it as unbearable. She said daily tasks were impossible. She said that mentally and physically, it was unbelievably difficult. She said it has been a long battle and going abroad should not be the answer but is something she must do. She feels she is being exported. She thinks those suffering from endometriosis should get help in Ireland and should not be ignored. Only that she has the support and help from her family financially, she would not have the option to get help aboard to end her torture.

Michelle, also from Mayo, wrote to me today. She stated that she was meant to be going for surgery to check for endometriosis. Instead, she was booked for a scan last week and the surgery was cancelled. She said the medical professionals admitted she probably has endometriosis but offered no other support. She went on state that she has an autoimmune condition and that her endometriosis is causing health problems. She stated she is now more nervous than she has been previously. She stated it is spreading to her organs, especially her bladder and kidneys, as she has had problems previously.

This is what is happening to women. This is what is happening to the women in the Gallery tonight. The Minister's response is not good enough.

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