Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 February 2021
329. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the status of the women’s health task force; the progress of the task force since September 2019; the timeline for the delivery of the programme of actions through the women’s health fund in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10922/21]
View answerThe Women’s Health Taskforce was established in September 2019 with the aim of improving women’s health outcomes and experiences of healthcare. The members of the Taskforce meet regularly, with its ninth meeting held on February 19th 2021 and with regular updates provided through a dedicated webpage on the Department of Health’s website at gov.ie/en/campaigns/-Womens-Health/
Budget 2021 has provided a dedicated €5million ‘Women’s Health Fund’ to progress a programme of actions arising from the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce. This funding complements the additional significant investment delivered across women’s health services in Budget 2021, including 12m investment in delivering the National Maternity Strategy and improving gynaecology and fertility services and 10m investment in Screening Services including Breast Check and Cervical Check.
The Taskforce has listened to, engaged with and worked with more than 1,000 individuals, and organisations representing women and girls across the country. Based on this consultation, and review of the evidence, the Taskforce has developed proposals to improve supports for gynaecological health, engagement with physical activity and supports for menopause which were chosen as initial priority areas. In 2021, the €5m Women’s Health Fund will deliver a programme of actions arising from this work, along with additional priority areas, including improving mental health supports for women and girls. A national awareness and education campaign will also be delivered to provide a trusted source of information and help normalise discussions about women’s health.
Following confirmation of the fund, discussions with the Department and the HSE took place to identify activity under the proposals which may be implemented in 2021 and funded through the Women’s Health Fund. A number of proposals are currently being finalised with stakeholders. Following final internal review and approval, it is anticipated that actions supported by the fund will be announced in the coming weeks.
