Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
2330. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health to consider implementing a reimbursement programme for patients who have been forced to undertake private healthcare for endometriosis due to a lack of public options; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [75167/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that endometriosis is a significant health issue for women in Ireland today and the HSE acknowledges that it is a difficult condition to diagnose and treat because of the variation of presentations which can impact the physical and mental wellbeing of patients. Endometriosis is a chronic disease with high recurrence rates, for which there is no definitive cure.
On 18 October 2025, I launched the National Framework for the management of Endometriosis. The Framework sets out for the first time in Ireland a defined clinical pathway for women with endometriosis, which spans primary to secondary care to specialist complex care in tertiary settings.
Most women experiencing signs and symptoms of endometriosis present to their local GP in the community. In line with clinical guidelines, GPs are encouraged to initiate treatment for suspected endometriosis and may refer women with suspected endometriosis to general gynaecology services in their local hospital.
Regional Specialist Centres for moderate cases have been established in the Rotunda, the Coombe, and Limerick, with clinics under further development in Galway and the National Maternity Hospital.
Two supra-regional specialist centres, in Tallaght and Cork, have been established for the management of complex endometriosis cases.
All endometriosis sites are operational and taking referrals. Treatment, including surgical intervention, is being provided across the network.
Additional funding was provided in 2025 to expand these services through the recruitment of more personnel to provide multidisciplinary care at both supra-regional and regional level.
Funding of over €5 million has already been invested in specialist endometriosis services between 2021 and 2025. In addition, endometriosis surgeries have been, and continue to be, performed in other acute gynaecology services.
The HSE has carried out an analysis of the short term and medium-term requirements to build adequate capacity, improve clinical pathways and increase expertise within our endometriosis services. The HSE’s budget for 2026 will be €27.4 billion, an increase of 6.2% on 2025. This investment will enable expansion and improvement in our health services, including endometriosis and is provided for in the National Service Plan.
The Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme commenced from the 18 October 2025 and will operate in addition to the existing treatment abroad pathways, including the EU Treatment Abroad Scheme, the EU Cross Border Directive and Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Schemes. The interim scheme will cover costs for the transport abroad and for healthcare provided, paid directly to the hospital.
Where a person has already paid for private healthcare in Ireland there is no facility for the cost of that care to be reimbursed by the public health system.
I am committed to the expansion of our specialist endometriosis services and improving support services for women with endometriosis in our health service.
