Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2021
236. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the work of the women’s health taskforce; the work carried out since its establishment; the priorities for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24824/21]
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 tenth meeting held on April 14th 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 €5 million ‘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 €12 million investment in delivering the National Maternity Strategy and improving gynaecology and fertility services and €10 million 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, supports for menopause and mental health. In 2021, the €5m Women’s Health Fund will deliver a programme of actions arising from this work, along with, 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 could implemented in 2021 and funded through the Women’s Health Fund. In April 2021, the first two areas to be funded under this fund were announced:
- Two community-based Ambulatory Gynaecology Services governed by two acute hospitals (Tallaght University Hospital, and University Maternity Hospital Limerick)
- Expansion of the endometriosis service at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) to deliver a specialist endometriosis centre for the management and treatment of all forms of endometriosis, with particular focus on advanced and complex cases for which there is no ready access in Ireland.
A number of further proposals are currently being finalised with stakeholders. Following final internal review and approval, further actions supported by the fund will be announced in the coming weeks. Alongside this activity, work is also underway on a longer-term approach to women’s health.
