Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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188. To ask the Minister for Health if she would consider expanding the free HRT scheme to include medications prescribed for menopausal symptoms for women with contraindication to HRT products; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24050/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I am committed to the implementation of the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) measure announced in Budget 2025 and reaffirmed in the new Programme for Government: Securing Ireland's Future.

This arrangement will become operational on 1st June 2025 and will cover any HRT medications and products which are reimbursable by the HSE, which have been prescribed for the purposes of alleviating the symptoms of menopause.

We will also include a dispensing fee for pharmacists; a step forward from the Budget 2025 announcement which only covered the medication costs. This enhancement will make HRT products completely free for women experiencing symptoms of menopause.

Reimbursement support for this new HRT measure will be available to participating pharmacies from the date of commencement of this measure. Women experiencing symptoms of menopause have been advised to apply for a Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) card to avail of this arrangement. I have written to all community pharmacies and asked them to sign up so women can get free HRT products from 1 June.

At present, the current provision covers Hormone Replacement Treatment products for the treatment of menopause symptoms as this is the most commonly used treatment for managing menopausal symptoms and has shown to be the most effective intervention.

It is important to acknowledge that there are women who are contraindicated for the use of HRT in treating their menopause symptoms, and there are women who choose not to take HRT in some instances. In these cases, it is important to discuss and explore options with a GP, or in some cases an oncologist, to decide the best course of action for the treatment of these symptoms. Some women experiencing more complex symptoms, including those who are contraindicated for the use of HRT, may be referred to one of our public Specialist Menopause Clinics for continued care free of charge.