Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I might get some clarity from the Cathaoirleach before I make the point I wish to raise. Our colleague raised the issue of the unrest in Canada and requested he write to the Canadian ambassador. Before he does that, we should have a full debate in the House and let all sides of that issue be discussed. My reading of what is going on in Canada is that it is really an extension of Trumpism, whereby a certain group of far-right protestors, using Covid-19 to further a separate agenda, have intimidated journalists and residents of Ottawa. I have looked on in amazement. Everyone in the House is entitled to his or her opinion, but I have every faith the Cathaoirleach will not write such a letter on behalf of one particular side. If a motion is tabled in this House, where we will all have an opportunity to express our opinions, that is fine, and if it is passed, I will accept the will of the House. Nevertheless, I would like to have a say, if possible, before such a position is reached.

The main issue I raise is one I have been aware of for some time but it was brought into stark focus for me this morning, when I received communication from a resident of Clare. It relates to the delays in certain medical treatments, particularly hormone replacement therapy, HRT.I have had direct contact with someone who spent seven years just trying to get a diagnosis in the first instance. After going through all the cost and trauma associated with that, she eventually reached the point where it was accepted that the menopause was the core of the issue. Now, though, there is an issue with getting the prescribed medicine. Approximately 32,000 women have faced difficulties in sourcing their HRT medication. It has been put to me by the woman who contacted me as well as by many others that changing from one medicine to another does not work and has profound impacts on their mental health, given the physical and emotional consequences of same.

We need to understand why the delays are happening. Perhaps we need to bring the Minister to the House. It has been put to me that such delays are not evident in other countries, particularly European ones. Perhaps the Leader could invite the Minister or a Minister of State from the Department of Health to speak to the House about when the supply chain issue might be resolved for those women who are going through a difficult time as a result of these delays.