This week is women's health week. Unfortunately, Ireland is still failing women in the provision of high-quality healthcare. While the CervicalCheck scandal and the shortages of HRT are prominent examples, many other issues are not receiving the support required. Endometriosis affects up to one in ten women, yet such is the lack of services that waiting for diagnosis can take up to nine years. While waiting for treatment, women can experience fertility issues, severe menstrual pain, damage to internal organs and chronic fatigue and nausea. This is a serious condition that has a real impact on many women but there are too few specialists in the area and GPs are not properly resourced, leading to a focus on pain relief and self-medication rather than addressing the issues. What actions will the Taoiseach take to improve the service?

The Minister for Health yesterday announced a women's healthcare strategy, with significant expenditure, which also involves the establishment of specific endometriosis clinics, which would deal with issues in a multidisciplinary way. The measures announced yesterday contain a focused approach, and funding has also been allocated.