Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
1170. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health if she will provide a list of approved centres abroad under the endometriosis surgery abroad interim scheme and a list of registered surgeons under the scheme who can provide the highest standard of endometriosis care, and excision surgery (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12300/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe list of approved centres abroad for the Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme (ESAIS) has been developed by the HSE's National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP), and is available on the HSE website: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/endometriosis-surgery-abroad-interim-scheme/#list-of-approved-healthcare-centres-for-endometriosis-surgery.
NWIHP has established an Endometriosis Clinical Advisory Group (CAG) that reviews centres for suitability to be added to the approved list of centres, with patient safety placed at the centre of every decision in this regard.
The CAG assesses centres against criteria which include international accreditation from the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) or the European Endometriosis League in the form of the EndoCert or evidence a service meets accreditation standards.
The list of approved centres is reviewed regularly and the NWIHP and CAG are currently undertaking a systematic review of additional centres for potential addition to this list. Pending individual service reviews, the CAG will make a final recommendation. This process may entail site visits or other engagements with the centres for approval. The list will be updated to reflect any additional approved centres.
Regarding management of girls under the age of 18, the HSE advise that careful consideration is required with regard to informed consent, the need for Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology (PAG) expertise, as well as the consideration of endometriosis as a diagnosis. It is recommended that these particular cases need review by PAG specialists prior to any decision regarding having treatment abroad.
