Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 November 2025
342. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to clarify if a definition in the Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Act 2024 excludes a group from the free HRT scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66625/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis 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. It does not, therefore, exclude any particular cohort, but rather focuses on supporting those experiencing the menopause transition.
Menopause has been highlighted as a key priority area by the Women’s Health Taskforce, as women have spoken of being dismissed and forgotten about during this time. 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 Specialist Menopause Clinics for complex care and, most recently, the Free 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
