James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank Senator Byrne for raising this very important issue. I understand exactly the point she is making and will relay it to the Minister, Deputy Donnelly. As Senator Byrne has acknowledged, the Minister, his Department and the Government share her passion for and commitment to providing all women in Ireland with a healthcare system that is appropriate to their needs and that is agile and responsive to these issues.

Women's health was identified in the programme for Government as a key priority and in fairness to the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, he has advanced that significantly. More than €140 million has been put into the area of women's health since 2020. In March 2022, the women's health action plan was launched, setting out actions to improve women's health outcomes and experiences. One such action is the provision and improvement of menopause supports. The second women's health action plan from 2024 to 2025, builds on that work and has a focus on new and innovative developments, including some of the alternative remedies that I mentioned a moment ago. The plan also places a spotlight on women at mid-life and older living well and living longer and continuing to build on the progress made in menopause care is an important part of that focus.

The Department of Health and the Minister are working with key stakeholders to scope the options available for the provision of State-funded HRT for menopause treatment and details will be made available on this in the near future. I cannot say when exactly the near future is but I believe it is imminent. That really gets to the heart of the Senator's question and I hope it is of assistance.