Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for that comprehensive update. I mentioned the nine-year average diagnostic delay. Women have felt ghosted by their GPs. They feel like they have not been offered supports and have not been listened to. It seems that women are expected to put up with this intolerable, intense and chronic pain, and are essentially made to feel as if it is all in their heads. It is important that the Minister has taken the step to listen. The patient voice forum was an excellent idea. Women now feel heard by the Minister and the CEO of the HSE. It is important that the HSE continue to listen to these women.

In her response, the Minister mentioned that she has written to GPs and there will be a practice update. It is important that existing GPs will be properly trained and will understand. Far too often, women have been told that they have to put up with it, that it is in their heads and is not really happening to them. We have to move away from that outlook.

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