Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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285. To ask the Minister for Health whether the Budget measure announced to cover the cost of HRT will cover any alternative medicines or supplements prescribed by a GP to manage perimenopause/menopause symptoms for women who cannot take regular HRT, due to a family history of breast cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40728/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the most commonly used treatment for managing menopausal symptoms and has been shown to be the most effective intervention for managing these symptoms. The Minister recently announced his plans to introduce a State-funded Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) measure for women experiencing menopausal symptoms. €20m has been ring-fenced for the operation of such this measure in 2025.

The scope of the proposed measure is currently being finalised. The intention, for 2025, is to cover the costs associated with HRT products and intrauterine devices, (commonly known as coils) which are prescribed for women to manage their menopausal symptoms and which are included on the HSE Reimbursement List.