Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
495. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has examined the Portuguese model for endometriosis support, specifically the provision of up to three paid days off a month for those with a diagnosis of endometriosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11202/26]
View answer497. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to introduce a paid work leave model, similar to the Portuguese system, for women with a medical diagnosis of endometriosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11211/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 495 and 497 together.
This Government is committed to ensuring that workplaces consider the reality of employees’ lives and recognises that endometriosis and gynaecological health more broadly can be a key health issue for some women. The need for more awareness within the workplace of the impact of the symptoms of menstruation, menopause, and related health issues is acknowledged by Government as necessary to promote changes in the culture, policies and practices in workplaces in order to lead to improvements in physical and mental health and wellbeing and work-life balance.
The Department intends to commission research to inform understanding of how employers can best support employees suffering from severe menstrual symptoms and related conditions or going through menopause. This will focus on understanding employees' experiences of menstruation, menopause and related health issues in the workplace and how symptoms can limit their daily activities. It is planned that this study will be commissioned later this year.
The first Action Plan for the National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025-2030 is currently in development and any research into workplace supports for those experiencing menstruation, menopause, and related health issues will be considered within this context.
