Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
1015. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of pharmacists in relation to the eligibility for the free HRT scheme; the actions she will take to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4235/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Act 2024 states that where a woman has been prescribed a HRT product by her healthcare provider to alleviate the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause, the cost of the HRT medications or products will be met by the State.
This is reflected in Pharmacy Circular 008/25 whereby the arrangement applies to women at the various stages related to menopause and includes perimenopause, post menopause, early menopause, premature menopause and medically induced menopause. This circular is available at the following link: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/pcrs/circulars/pharmacy/pharmacy-circular-08-25-hrt-arrangements.pdf.
It is in the circumstances outlined in the legislation that HRT medications are reimbursed under HRT Arrangements. The HSE must operate the arrangement in line with the legislation.
In addition, it is the it is the professional responsibility of community pharmacists to clinically assess prescriptions.
