I wish to raise the issue of endometriosis, which is a chronic disease affecting one in ten women in Ireland. It takes approximately seven years to diagnose because many general practitioners are not aware of the condition and it is often misdiagnosed. Following a diagnosis surgery is a very painful procedure that a woman might require on a number of occasions.

I posed a parliamentary question on this matter but I was told there is no data on this. The waiting time currently for one patient I know is 52 weeks minimum before she would even see a consultant. These individuals are living in chronic pain. They can have fertility issues also. It is a disease that is incurable. We do not have the specialist surgeons in Ireland, the medication is extremely expensive and there is no assistance available.

I am asking that the Taoiseach raise the issue directly with the Minister for Health, that we try to put together some sort of process for these patients, and that the wait times be reduced. Information for patients is key and doctors must be properly briefed on the issue. It affects far more women than is actually talked about.

It is indeed a very painful condition, or certainly can be depending on the severity, and it is not rare at all; it is a very common condition. The Deputy is quite right to raise it in the House and to point out that there can often be delays in diagnosis. I will inform the Minister for Health that she has raised the issue and ask him to take it up with her directly.