Aontú TD for Mayo, Paul Lawless, has called on the Taoiseach to give a clear commitment to progress discussions with GPs and the HSE before the summer recess so that the long-overdue national endometriosis framework can be published.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Lawless welcomed the recent publication of clinical guidelines for endometriosis but expressed concern that the accompanying national framework, essential for effective implementation, remains unpublished.
“This is a very positive step forward for the thousands of women who suffer with endometriosis. One in ten women in Ireland is affected by this condition, and many suffer in silence,” said Deputy Lawless. “However, the clinical guidelines explicitly state that they should be used in conjunction with a national framework, which has yet to be published. That framework was due last year, and as of now, discussions between the GP organisations and the HSE have not even begun.”
Deputy Lawless emphasised the importance of engaging GPs in the process and called for targeted incentives to encourage their participation in talks on the framework’s publication.
“From speaking to GPs across Mayo, I know they are under enormous pressure due to retirements and an ever-growing workload,” he said. “If we are serious about rolling out these clinical guidelines, then GPs must be part of the process, and we need to offer practical incentives to ensure their buy-in. That is the only way we will see these guidelines actually implemented in communities across the country.”
Addressing the Taoiseach directly, Deputy Lawless asked for an urgent commitment that the necessary negotiations would begin before the Oireachtas breaks for the summer.
In response, the Taoiseach acknowledged the work done to date on endometriosis, particularly through the establishment of regional hubs and specialist centres. However, he did not commit to a timeline for the publication of the national framework, instead stating that he would raise the issue with the Minister for Health and follow up.
Deputy Lawless concluded, “Women have waited long enough. We cannot have a situation where clinical guidelines are published and yet remain disconnected from frontline care due to bureaucratic delays. We need immediate action and a clear path to implementation. That begins with engaging GPs now and not months down the line.”
