Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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179. To ask the Minister for Health the timeline for the publication of the National Framework for Endometriosis, given previous commitments that it was in the final stages of development; the standards of care that will be included within the framework; the level of dedicated funding allocated for endometriosis services and research; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26292/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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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.

The Framework sets a defined clinical care pathway for women with endometriosis spanning primary care to local hospital care to specialist hospital care. The model of care ensures treatment through two supra-regional specialist centres in Dublin (Tallaght University Hospital) and Cork (Cork University Maternity Hospital), supported by five regional endometriosis hubs within each of the six maternity and gynaecology networks.

Regional Endometriosis Hubs are located in the Rotunda, the Coombe, the National Maternity Hospital, University Hospital Limerick and University Hospital Galway and are providing the initial point of clinical escalation for local hospital-based gynaecology services within the same maternity and gynaecology network.

The regional hubs manage moderate cases of endometriosis i.e. cases that require a higher level of management than can be provided for in a local hospital. Surgical treatment is being provided across the network of services.

The supra-regional sites are providing care to severe and complex cases of endometriosis and all five regional hubs are accepting referrals. Three of the regional hubs are doing so through structured clinics and pathways as outlined in the Framework. Services will be expanded as recruitment continues for outstanding posts with funding provided this year.

Over €5 million has been invested in Endometriosis specialist services since 2021 including €2.175 million this year to further expand the service. 2025 funding will increase capacity for women as 18.1 whole time equivalent (WTE) staff are recruited into these specialist services. Recruitment is an ongoing process.