Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
780. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the specific actions and targets contained within the HSE National Service Plan 2026 in relation to endometriosis services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47453/26]
View answer781. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the further expansion of specialist and regional endometriosis services that is planned under the implementation of the National Framework for the Management of Endometriosis; the timeline for the delivery of these developments; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47454/26]
View answer782. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the additional measures planned in 2026 and 2027 to improve access to diagnosis, treatment and specialist supports for women with endometriosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47455/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 780, 781 and 782 together.
I am committed to expanding specialist endometriosis services, improving support services for women with endometriosis and promoting awareness of endometriosis, both among the public and crucially within our own health services.
In response to gaps identified in the provision of endometriosis services and recent actions I mandated to improve service delivery, my Department developed an Endometriosis Action Plan in October 2025 which is now nearing completion.
Progress to date includes the following:
• The National Framework for the Management of Endometriosis in Ireland, was launched on 18 October marking an important milestone in the evolution of women’s healthcare in Ireland. The Framework establishes for the first time a defined clinical care pathway for women and girls living with endometriosis.
• I have been engaging directly with women and listening to their personal experiences of endometriosis. This engagement has included one-on-one meetings with women as well as a patient voice forum on Monday 1 September 2025. A second Patient Voice Forum took place on 5 March 2026.
• The HSE carried out over 140 additional surgeries in Q4 2025 for women waiting for surgery.
• An additional colorectal surgeon has been successfully recruited by the HSE in Cork and Tallaght, strengthening our complex care capacity.
• An additional 65 whole-time-equivalent healthcare professionals have been prioritised through the HSE National Service Plan 2026 to expand and fully implement the National Endometriosis Framework. This will include additional consultants, nurse specialists, psychologists, physiotherapists, radiographers, occupational therapists, medical scientists, health care assistants and administrative staff.
• The HSE Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme was opened on 18 October 2025. ESAIS has facilitated women to access surgery abroad in five different countries across Europe to date.
• Two additional centres have been added to the HSE ESAIS approved list since its inception in October 2025, with another under the final stages of consideration.
• I personally wrote to all GPs, consultants and other clinicians to raise awareness of endometriosis.
• The Irish College of General Practitioners is completing a general practice update this year specifically on endometriosis.
• A HSE national campaign around menstrual health, including endometriosis, is in development.
• The Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists held its annual conference on 6 March 2026, which focused on Endometriosis with participation from experts from across Europe.
• The National Women’s and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) will host a ‘HSE Endometriosis Services’ stand at this years’ ploughing championships to raise awareness and signpost reliable information and services.
• Clinicians continue to upskill and attend European educational events focused on endometriosis management.
• International accreditation of Irish endometriosis centres is underway, in partnership with international experts, to standardise best practice and raise clinical standards nationally.
• As part of Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency, an EU Endometriosis Conference will take place on 3 December 2026 in Dublin.
Other endometriosis developments also include the following:
• €2 million in funding has been ringfenced for research into all aspects of women’s health, including endometriosis. This is the first time Irish research funding has been dedicated specifically to women’s health.
• Two education officers are working across the country to deliver the comprehensive Menstrual Information Specialising in Endometriosis (MISE) programme which aims to educate people, particularly in schools, sports clubs and workplaces, on menstrual health, with a focus on endometriosis.
• Two permanent two-year endometriosis fellowships have been funded, with the first two candidates due to complete their fellowship in July of this year. Both fellowship positions will be recruited for on a recurring basis, ensuring a pipeline of expertise into public endometriosis services.
• Q1 2026 showed substantial increases in referrals, clinics and new patient throughput across the network of specialist endometriosis services.
With regard to the timeline for the expansion of our specialist endometriosis services, the HSE has advised that further recruitment may take up to 18 months in order to secure the necessary expertise or our specialist services.
