I raise the shortage of hormone replacement therapy, HRT, products in the State. Several factors are at work here, including demand, supply and price. Some women are finding it difficult to source some HRT products in the State. The British Government has prioritised this issue in respect of the demand, supply and price. What is the State doing about the situation many women here find themselves in?

This is a real issue. I am told there has been a significant increase in demand for HRT products, which has outstripped supply, as the Deputy said. A successful awareness campaign has seen demand for some products increase 4.5 to 7.5 times compared to 2019 levels. Suppliers have confirmed they have increased the planned supply of HRT patches to Ireland this year, while continuing to work to find solutions to the immediate supply issues. This is a global issue. Unfortunately, shortages of medicines have become increasingly prevalent globally in the last decade and they are a feature of modern health systems around the world. There are many reasons, I am told, for these shortages, including the shortage of raw materials, manufacturing difficulties, logistical transport issues and product recalls. Therefore, this is an issue and a global problem, but the Government and the health system are aware of it and trying to find solutions.