Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
Link to this: Individually | In context

801. To ask the Minister for Health to consider expanding the free HRT scheme to include those treatments that are not covered under the drug payment scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37378/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must apply to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.

The Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) arrangement commenced on 1st June 2025. The Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Act 2024 underpins this HRT arrangement.

Under this legislation, reimbursement support is for women who have been prescribed HRT products by their healthcare provider for the treatment of menopause. It applies to HRT products reimbursable by the HSE.

A list of such items, including some Exempt Medicinal Products, can be found in pharmacy circular 08/2025, which is available at: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/pcrs/circulars/pharmacy/pharmacy-circular-08-25-hrt-arrangements.pdf

However, pharmacists can contact the HSE for any HRT related reimbursement support queries by emailing pharmacy.response@hse.ie.