Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Lawless, for coming to the House to take this all-important matter. My question is whether there is an update from the Department of Health on the provision of HRT for women. Menopause is something that affects many women in different ways. It can be very debilitating at times. I am aware the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, and the Department were looking at whether the provision of HRT is feasible. People on the medical card receive it for free but women who do not have a medical card can pay anything from €30 to €70. I thank young Councillor Ben Ward in Carlow who raised this with me. It is an issue that came up on the doorsteps. It is good to see a young male councillor not shying away from something to do with women's health. The Minister and the Department have gone a long way towards addressing issues but this issue is very important and I wonder whether there is any update on it. Women should not be penalised for health issues that are out of their control.