Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Minister well in all the challenges that she faces. On this day, I also thank the former Minister, Stephen Donnelly, for all the tremendous work that he did in starting a revolution around women's healthcare.

I am conscious that this is about International Women's Day as well as about women's health. I am also conscious that women comprise 45% of Seanad Members, which is fantastic. I say well done to everybody who worked hard to get here, but we stand on the shoulders of all of those who went before us. You see four portraits as you enter here - the four first female Senators, namely, Eileen Costello, Ellen Cuffe, Alice Stopford Green and Jennie Wyse Power. As a practical suggestion, I ask that their names be put under each one. Let that be our action from today. It is important to know them by name.

I am conscious of the women whose voices are not heard - the women from Ukraine, the women from Gaza, and women who are displaced or tortured right around the world.

In terms of the health issues we are talking about, many colleagues have spoken about the really important aspects of women's health that we need to concentrate on. Many of them spoke about supporting cancer survivors, about trying to have more preventative screenings in place, about ensuring we have more IVF and that HRT products are sourced and are available, and about older women who develop dementia and younger women who develop eating disorders. However, something I would like to see an emphasis on also is preventative health measures around nutrition and around the use of alternative health methods, such as yoga, to be able to support us living healthily, living longer and living well.

One other aspect I feel should be addressed is the whole area around the pelvic floor and women who have given birth.This area is neglected at the moment.