Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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657. To ask the Minister for Health the reason incontinence surgery is not currently provided in Ireland (details supplied); if she plans to make this service available in Ireland; and if not, if there are alternative supports available to patients in need. [50177/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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A broad range of surgical and non-surgical treatment options are available in Ireland for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence. There is currently a pause on procedures using uro-gynaecological mesh devices. This is a result of concerns which were raised nationally and internationally regarding the frequency and severity of complications associated with the use of these devices.

In 2023 the HSE established a National Vaginal Mesh Implant Oversight Group to assess the appropriateness of resuming uro-gynaecological mesh procedures, cognisant of international developments and approaches in this complex area.

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 on the use of uro-gynaecological mesh.

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.