Rory Hearne (Dublin North-West, Social Democrats)
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1194. To ask the Minister for Health her views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding mesh surgery and treatment options in Ireland; if she will clarify the options available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48035/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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In late 2017 concerns were raised at national level regarding the frequency and severity of complications associated with the use of transvaginal mesh devices. The then Minister for Health requested the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to prepare a report on the clinical and technical issues involved.

In 2018, the CMO made a number of recommendations regarding the safe and effective provision of mesh procedures. The CMO asked the HSE to pause all mesh procedures where clinically safe to do so, pending confirmation of the implementation of these recommendations.

In 2023 the HSE established a National Vaginal Mesh Implant Oversight Group. The focus of this group was to review and assess implementation of the recommendations and assess the appropriateness of resuming uro-gynaecological mesh procedures.

My Department has recently received a report from the HSE’s National Vaginal Mesh Implant Oversight Group and officials are liaising with their counterparts in the HSE to ensure comprehensive implementation of the CMO’s recommendations.

Women’s health is a key priority for the Department of Health. I understand the impact the pause on the use of uro-gynaecological mesh has on women who wish to avail of this surgery, however my Department must take a safety-first approach to this issue.