Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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249. To ask the Minister for Health if he plans to introduce training or a protocol for employers to guide support for employees who are experiencing perimenopause and menopause. [47034/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Government recognises that menopause is a key health issue for women in Ireland today, and work is underway to drive progress in this area which is being driven by the Women’s Health Taskforce. Menopause has been identified as a priority under the 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 fourteen 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.

The issue of menopause has also been emphasised through the nationwide “Radical Listening” exercise carried out by the Women’s Health Taskforce. This exercise enabled women across the country to share their views and experiences of the health sector and health services. A report on the findings of this ‘radical listening’ exercise was published on September 14th 2021.

In relation to support for women at work through the menopause, women’s health will be represented at the Healthy Workplace implementation group which is to be established in 2021, following the publication of the Healthy Workplace Framework in the coming months. Following publication, an Implementation Group will be established with responsibility for developing an action plan. A representative from Women’s Health will be included on the Implementation Group to ensure the needs of women in the workplace are incorporated. Through this representation, the particular issues for women at work will be highlighted for consideration. This has particular reference to menopause within the workplace.

At present, there is existing guidance available from CIPD.ie for organisations who wish to consider their response and support to women throughout their menopause journey within work. They provide resources for people managers and professionals to use in the workplace to help break the stigma of women going through the menopause. This includes a menopause at work document which can help organisations consider how they can make their workplaces more supportive for women throughout their menopause journey.

The Minister for Health and the Women's Health Taskforce are committed to improving the experience of women in Ireland through the menopause. This is underscored by the announcement on September 10th of a new approach to menopause care in Ireland, beginning with the establishment of a dedicated specialist menopause clinic. This forms a core part of a new approach to menopause care for women in Ireland and will be supported by enhanced community and primary care supports as well as the publication of targeted and trusted sources of information for women experiencing menopause.

Menopause will continue to be a priority for the Women's Health Taskforce for 2021 and 2022.