Mayo TD hosting Endometriosis Association in Leinster House briefing today

TODAY (Tuesday) Mayo Aontú TD Paul Lawless is to host the Endometriosis Association of Ireland in Leinster House for a briefing.

Endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women and yet we still have no national framework or policy to deal with this debilitating disease.

“I’m delighted to host the group in Leinster House as this is a fantastic opportunity for the group to address various TDs, senators and political staff. The reality is that we need a strong cross party approach to this.

“Many women go through life without even realising they have endometriosis,” said Deputy Lawless. “GPs often don’t have the tools or referral pathways necessary to effectively diagnose and treat patients. Many are simply prescribed the pill to mask symptoms, which leads to further delays in diagnosis.”

He added: “There is a lack of awareness surrounding this disease and many women have shared how there is misunderstanding of endometriosis being nothing more than a ‘bad period’. Endometriosis is a chronic condition that causes severe pain, fatigue, infertility, and can significantly impact women’s ability to work, engage in sport, and maintain their overall well-being.”

Deputy Lawless said he hopes this event will raise awareness amongst the government and add a sense of urgency to the roll out of the National Endometriosis Framework.

“Currently, endometriosis takes an average of nine years to diagnose in Ireland - one of the longest delays in Europe. We are far behind other countries when it comes to addressing this disease. We need a framework that includes proper education and awareness, clear referral pathways, and specialist consultants. Right now, Ireland is not even off the starting blocks.

“I look forward to meeting the various representatives and hearing both their first hand personal experience with the disease and their ideas on how policy should be shaped.”