Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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822. To ask the Minister for Health if there is a revised timeframe for the publication of the national framework on endometriosis care, in light of previous delays; the current status of the framework; and when it is expected to be released. [25448/25]

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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823. To ask the Minister for Health the breakdown of the way in which the recently announced additional funding for endometriosis care will be allocated; and the details of what specific services, personnel or infrastructure this funding will support. [25450/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 822 and 823 together.

The HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme has led on the development of the National Endometriosis Framework in conjunction with endometriosis specialists and in consultation with stakeholders including the Irish Council for General Practitioners and the Endometriosis Association of Ireland.

The HSE has advised that this Framework is nearing completion. The official publication of the Framework is pending further engagement between the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) representing GPs and the HSE on the role played by GPs in implementing the model of care. The HSE has advised that they will shortly table the agreed Framework with the IMO as part of ongoing wider deliberations. This includes final agreement on the GP role in implementing the Model of Care. The Framework document will be published when it is finalised.

Investment is continuing in these services with €2.175 million this year to further expand specialist endometriosis services. This funding will increase capacity for women through the five regional endometriosis hubs in The Rotunda, Coombe, NMH, Limerick and Galway, and two supra-regional specialist centres in Tallaght and Cork.

Services will expand as 18.1 whole time equivalent (WTE) staff are recruited into these specialist services. Recruitment is an ongoing process.

Table 1 Allocation of Additional Funding for Endometriosis Services

Paul Lawless (Mayo, Aontú)
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824. To ask the Minister for Health if persons with severe endometriosis may be eligible to qualify for disability supports; and the process by which a person with endometriosis could apply for and access disability benefits, including how eligibility is assessed in such cases. [25451/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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It is recognised that endometriosis is a significant health issue for women in Ireland today. The Government is committed to promoting and improving women’s health outcomes. Endometriosis has been recognised as part of the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce and is included in the Women’s Health Action Plan 2024/25 as part of a priority workstream on evolving women’s health support services, and expertise.

The Department of Health does not operate any income support schemes.

Illness schemes operated by the Department of Social Protection do not relate to any specific illness or condition but relate to an individual’s capacity to work.

The Department of Social Protection would be better placed to provide details on any illness-related income support that might be available for women whose capacity to work is impacted by endometriosis.