John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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2682. To ask the Minister for Health if gynaecologists are now using excision to remove endometriosis; if so, the countries in which the specialist consultants are trained; if there are plans to implement imaging protocols to assist diagnosis and planning surgery; the treatments that GPs offer for endometriosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41417/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The majority of women experiencing signs and symptoms of endometriosis will first present to their GP. In line with clinical guidelines, GPs are encouraged to initiate treatment for suspected endometriosis based on clinical evaluation.

Where symptoms persist or if symptoms are severe, timely referral to secondary care is recommended. GPs can refer women with known endometriosis directly to specialist services for treatment or for suspected endometriosis to general gynaecology services.

Treatment, including surgical intervention, is being provided across the network. Over 300 specialist surgeries were provided between August and December 2024 and over 200 surgeries were carried out in Q1 this year.

Consultants leading the regional and supra-regional endometriosis services have all undertaken structured training and training placements, either in Ireland or overseas, inclusive of the acquisition of advanced surgical skills required to treat endometriosis.

As part of the structured higher specialist training (HST) programme in place in Ireland for doctors seeking to be consultant obstetrician and gynaecologists, all gynaecologists have received the necessary training and hold the required skillset and expertise to treat and manage endometriosis at a mild-moderate level.

Clinicians working within the specialist endometriosis services have attended Endometriosis Intensive Courses in Europe, with these events focused on upskilling and educating across all aspects of endometriosis management in line with international best practice.

There are currently a number of HSE clinicians undertaking fellowship training in complex gynaecology in Europe e.g. Germany. This is in addition to two fellowship posts funded here in Ireland across the two supra-regional services to ensure provision of optimally trained professionals for future service delivery.

Imaging plays a key role in the diagnosis and management of endometriosis. Both supra-regional services have been funded for a dedicated consultant radiologist to provide the necessary expertise to interpret any imaging completed for the purpose of investigating endometriosis. This post has already been successfully recruited for in Tallaght. International protocols for MRI and ultrasound, which aim to standardise image acquisition, reporting, and communication between radiologists and consultant gynaecologists, have been incorporated into HSE endometriosis training for consultants.