Dáil Éireann saw many tears shed and voices raised during a debate on endometriosis care on Tuesday July 15.

Forty women from across the country attended the debate, and were seated within the public gallery alongside Laois Sinn Féín Senator Maria McCormack, who has spearheaded a campaign for the improved quality of care for endometriosis patients.

In Budget 2024, €25.8 billion was allocated to health services across the country. €543,822 was allocated to the development of endometriosis services.

Endometriosis is a painful life long disability that affects 10% of Irish women. This condition is where the endometrial lining of the uterus grows on other organs in the body, particularly on bowels, kidneys, and even within the throat and chest cavity.

With a nine year wait time on diagnosis and no known cure for the condition, there are two surgeries that can remove the endometrial tissue from organs, involving ablation or excision.

Pictured: Deputy Mary Lou McDonald and Senator Maria McCormack at a Portlaoise endometriosis meeting

There is a lack of endometriosis specialists in Ireland, leaving many women forced to travel abroad for treatment.

The motion from Sinn Féin called on the Government to establish a state-of-the-art centre of excellence for endometriosis care, to establish specialised imaging protocols to assist gynaecologists in identifying, mapping and getting the information on endometriosis; to develop and fund a dedicated training and incentive programme; and to launch a nationwide public health campaign to raise awareness.

Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley addressed the Dáil, calling for more resources to support the treatment of this condition. 

“As a man, constituents have told me stories about this problem over the years and particularly in recent years," Deputy Stanley said.

"We have to stop exporting our health issues and people for treatment, particularly women in the case of this chronic condition. Not nearly enough attention has been given to it. Surely if something is affecting 10% of women we have to stand up and take notice," he argued.

"It is unbelievable that the average waiting time is eight to nine years and how this has been let run for so many years. Think of all the women of previous generations who have suffered this silently. This is 2025. This has to stop. We have to try to bring forward proper, expert treatment for this debilitating condition," he said.

“Women with this condition have been failed for years in Ireland. I know the Minister mentioned the five hubs, but the level of expertise, staffing and timely access are issues. Nine, eight or five years is not good enough.

Pictured: Deputy Brian Stanley

"This needs to be done in a matter of months so that women can have treatment once it is properly diagnosed. We have to shorten the time from diagnosis to treatment because nine years is appalling.

"We need more surgeons in the area. Only 25 out of 50 posts have been filled. Recruitment and retention of surgeons and clinical nurses in the field has to be stepped up and has to be stepped up at pace”.

"Doctors and specialists need to start believing women when they present with this condition because of its chronic nature and the sheer number of women who endure it throughout their lives."

The Deputy also welcomed the roll-out of free HRT for menopausal women.

"We need a step change and improvements with regard to endometriosis. There is a clear action plan and I urge the Minister and Government to get behind this, so women do not have to go to Romania or anywhere else for treatment," the Deputy finished.

A row broke out between Deputy Mary Lou McDonald and Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

"It is unacceptable that women's healthcare is still at the bottom rung of the ladder. Tonight, we bring this motion and we are here to say enough is enough. It is beyond disappointing - in fact, it is enraging - that the Government, with a shameful amendment, pushes back against the first-hand experiences and real trauma of women," Deputy McDonald argued.

"Since 2021, we have invested over €5 million to expand specialist endometriosis services to provide treatment for women with moderate and complex endometriosis," Minister Carroll MacNeill said.

"There is an additional €2 million this year to continue to do that. So far, that investment has allowed us to recruit 24.6 whole-time equivalent staff, or 24 people and one part-time person.

"We have the funding. Specialist services are expanding further with the HSE recruitment process to recruit another 18.6 people, or 18 people and a part-time person, with the funding provided this year. We are more than halfway through that recruitment programme and there is no question about that," she said.

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