Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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976. To ask the Minister for Health the steps being taken to improve the knowledge and training on the issue of menopause and perimenopause; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10156/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There are a number of existing supports in place to improve knowledge and training on the issue of menopause and perimenopause. These include the Irish College of General Practitioners 'Certificate in Menopause Care' aimed at healthcare professionals who work regularly in the field of women's health, and a number of continuing professional development courses which include this issue for health professionals such as pharmacists, nurses and midwives.

Menopause has also been identified as a priority under the Department of Health's Women's Health Taskforce. The Women’s Health Taskforce was established in September 2019 with the aim of improving women’s health outcomes and experiences of healthcare. The Taskforce has met nine times since it was established in September 2019. A number of initial priority areas for action were determined by the Taskforce in 2020, with the issue of menopause recognised and included as one of these priority areas.

Proposals for action have been developed under three priority areas: Improving Gynaecological Health for Women and Girls; Improving Supports for Menopause; and Improving Women and Girls’ Physical Activity. A programme of actions under these proposals is currently being confirmed, and further details will be shared following finalisation.

Implementation of actions will be supported by the Budget 2021 allocation of a dedicated €5million ‘Women’s Health Fund’. In 2021, the €5m Women’s Health Fund will deliver a programme of actions arising from this work, along with additional priority areas, including improving mental health supports for women and girls. A national awareness and education campaign will also be delivered to provide a trusted source of information and help normalise discussions about women’s health, which will include menopause. Further detail on this activity will be shared once it is finalised in the near term.