Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 October 2025
337. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 440 of 2 October 2025, the reason for the distinction being made in the implementation of the free HRT scheme between women experiencing menopausal symptoms as a consequence of surgical removal of the ovaries, and women born without ovaries who are experiencing the same symptoms. [55901/25]
View answerUnder the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) measure, which came into effect on 1 June 2025, where a woman has been prescribed a HRT product by her healthcare provider for the purpose of alleviating the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause, the cost of the HRT medications or products, and the dispensing fees will be met by the State.
This measure is intended to support the management of the symptoms of menopause and, therefore, relates to the provision of treatment for the symptoms a specific medical condition/life stage i.e. menopause. HRT is the most commonly used treatment for managing symptoms of menopause and has shown to be the most effective intervention.
Menopause has been highlighted as a key priority area by the Women’s Health Taskforce. It is a key action in the Women’s Health Action Plans. A number of measures have been implemented in recent years to improve the experience of menopause for women in Ireland, including this HRT arrangement.
The diagnosis of any medical condition and the prescribing of treatment for said condition is a matter for a patient and healthcare provider to discuss.
