3338. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to improve access to hormone replacement therapy for women experiencing menopause and perimenopause; the measures in place to ensure the availability of HRT medications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55846/26]

Under the Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) measure, which came into effect on 1 June 2025, where a woman has been prescribed HRT by her healthcare provider for the purpose of alleviating the symptoms associated with all stages of menopause, the cost of the HRT medications or products, and the pharmacy dispensing fees will be met by the State.

This measure is intended to support the management of the symptoms of menopause and, therefore, relates to the provision of treatment for the symptoms of a specific medical condition/life stage i.e. menopause. HRT is the most commonly used treatment for managing symptoms of menopause and has shown to be the most effective intervention.

Menopause has been highlighted as a key priority area by the Women’s Health Taskforce. It is a key action in the Women’s Health Action Plans. Several measures have been implemented in recent years to improve the experience of menopause for women in Ireland, including this HRT arrangement.