Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
1189. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health when the next phase of the Women’s Health Taskforce strategy is due to be published; whether that phase will include detailed measures on the recognition, diagnosis and evidence-based treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), including pathways for referral, clinician education and access to appropriate supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12557/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Women’s Health Action Plans 2022-2023 and 2024-25 together with significant investment, have resulted in important improvements to women’s health services in Ireland. The work of the Women’s Health Taskforce and the implementation of these Action Plans has also increased awareness of many women’s health issues, both among the public and amongst healthcare professionals.
My department, in conjunction with the Women's Health Taskforce, are developing the 3rd phase of the Women's Health Action Plan and it will be published in the coming months.
I have recently approved funding for the development of a menstrual health awareness campaign which is currently being developed by the National Women and Infants Programme in the HSE.
The HSE have proposed an evidence-based approach to the undertaking and advancement of a national menstrual health awareness campaign. The first phase in designing this broad campaign will involve a comprehensive evaluation and assessment of current attitudes, behaviors and knowledge of all related topics. It is important that this research guides the direction of the awareness campaign, which will aim to balance information regarding what is normal versus what could be abnormal and will focus on a range of menstrual health disorders and/or associated conditions.
It is envisaged that one of the end products of the research phase will be the development of a communications strategy with recommendations for areas requiring focus.
I have also approved funding for the HRB Applied Partnerships Award Scheme specifically for Women’s Health.
Up to €1 million from the Department of Health’s Women's Health Fund will be made available for the Women’s Health Applied Partnership Scheme for 2026 and again in 2027.
Research themes, in consultation with the Department of Health’s Women's Health Executive, have been determined. These themes are informed by Ministerial priorities, outcomes of various listening exercises with women, the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce and the HRB’s Women’s health outcomes: An evidence and gap map review commissioned by the Department and published this year. Menstrual health is one of the priority themes identified and application in respect of all aspects, including PMDD, are welcomed.
Given this is the first research programme of this kind in the area of women's health, as well as specific themes which focus on areas of unmet need, we are including a general women's health theme. It is hoped that this dual approach will stimulate interest from a wide range of disciplines and open the door towards filling this longstanding gap in women's health research.
The research call went out to the research community in January 2026. with a deadline submission date of end of March 2026.
