Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)

I want to raise the publication of the national framework for the management of endometriosis in Ireland. This was an eagerly awaited report, with a huge weight of expectation, given the enormous failing of thousands of women with this desperately debilitating condition. There are welcome aspects to the report in terms of the greater commitment to investment and training, but endometriosis sufferers reading this report have huge concerns. They are deeply hurt by the references to paracetamol. If paracetamol was sufficient to deal with this condition, we would not be talking about it here. They are outraged at the replacement of the endometriosis surgery abroad scheme. It does not look like progress when we look at the details. It looks like a monumental backwards step. There are no references to the hospitals in Romania and Greece to which Irish women are currently travelling, and there are new conditions. What assurances can the Taoiseach give that women will still be able to travel abroad to the expert clinics they need?

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