785. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the progress being made under the Programme for Government in the area of endometriosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36878/26]

On 18 October 2025, I launched the National Framework for the management of Endometriosis. The Framework sets out for the first time in Ireland a defined clinical pathway for women with endometriosis, which spans primary to secondary care to specialist complex care in tertiary settings.

The Framework provides for the development of a more holistic and comprehensive approach to care for women with endometriosis in Ireland. It outlines a system where women with endometriosis should have ready access to services that are effective, timely and safe, and enable the lowest level of clinical intervention that is required for each woman, at the easiest point of access. Many endometriosis cases can be managed at primary care level in the first instance, while some patients will require additional multi-disciplinary support at secondary care level.

Regional Specialist Centres for moderate cases have been established in the Rotunda Hospital, the Coombe Hospital, and University Hospital Limerick, with clinics under further development in University Hospital Galway and the National Maternity Hospital.

Two supra-regional specialist centres, in Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) and Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), have been established for the management of complex cases.

All endometriosis sites are operational and taking referrals. Additional funding was provided last year to expand these services through the recruitment of more personnel to provide multidisciplinary care at both supra-regional and regional level, including clinical nurse specialists, dietitians, physiotherapists and psychologists.

The HSE has carried out an analysis of the short-term and medium-term requirements to build adequate capacity, improve clinical pathways and increase expertise within our endometriosis services.

The HSE’s budget for 2026 will be €27.4 billion, an increase of 6.2% on 2025, allowing for expansion and improvement in services and the recruitment of 3,300 additional staff. The necessary expansion of endometriosis services is provided for through the National Service Plan.

In addition to the Framework, I also mandated several actions to expedite access to care for women impacted by endometriosis. Significant progress has already been made:

• The HSE carried out over 140 additional surgeries in Q4 2025 for women waiting for surgery.

• An additional colorectal surgeon has been successfully recruited by the HSE in CUMH and TUH.

• The HSE Endometriosis Surgery Abroad Interim Scheme was opened on 18 October 2025.

• I have written to all GPs, consultants and other clinicians to raise awareness of endometriosis.

• A national campaign around menstrual health is in development, including endometriosis.

• An Endometriosis Advisory Group has been established, which includes patient advocates. This group held their first meeting on 30 October 2025 and is meeting on an ongoing basis.

• €2 million in funding has been provided for research into all aspects of women’s health, but particularly for projects on endometriosis.

• Two education officers have been engaged to deliver the comprehensive MISE (Menstrual Information Specialising in Endometriosis) programme which aims to educate people, particularly in schools, sports clubs and workplaces, on menstrual health, with a specific focus on endometriosis.