Gibney criticises “insulting” delay to free HRT scheme

In October’s Budget, €20 million was set aside for a measure which would provide free hormone replacement treatment for women.

The measure was due to take effect from the start of 2025 but in the classic Irish government fashion, a promise has gone AWOL.

Newly-elected Social Democrats TD Sineád Gibney said the scheme suffering a botched rollout is “insulting” and indicative of Stephen Donnelly’s track record as Minister for Health.

“To much fanfare, outgoing Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced free HRT for women suffering from symptoms of menopause – a €20 million budgetary measure that was supposed to come into effect from the start of this month,” Gibney said.

“However, it has now emerged that the Department of Health has rowed back on this promise, offering only a vague commitment to introduce the scheme ‘as soon as possible,” she noted”

She called the delay “a slap in the face for the thousands of women on HRT who had been expecting to see a reduction in their medical expenses from the start of 2025.”

“The delay has also been met with deep frustration by pharmacists around the country, many of whom had expressed concern at the Department’s lack of preparedness for the roll out of this scheme.”

At the time Stephen Donnelly said the scheme was an “important milestone” in the progression of women’s health in Ireland but the scheme simply failed to materialise.

Donnelly, who lost his seat in November’s general election, has now been accused of “overpromising and underdelivering” on the issue by Gibney.

“The Department of Health must immediately explain the reasons for this unacceptable delay and outline what steps now need to be taken to get the scheme up and running,” the Dublin Rathdown TD said.

“Consideration should also be given to reimbursing women for any HRT costs they incur between now and the eventual introduction of the initiative.”