The government’s promise to provide free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) from January 1st has fallen through, leaving thousands of Irish women facing continued medical costs, The Journal has learned.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly’s Budget 2025 pledge to eliminate HRT costs at the start of the year has been pushed back indefinitely, with the Department of Health now saying it will happen “as soon as possible.”
Women currently pay between €18 and €1,224 annually for HRT medications, depending on their symptoms and required treatments. These costs will continue despite expectations of free treatment this month.
Irish Pharmacy Union president Tom Murray revealed that basic groundwork for the scheme hasn’t even begun. “There has been absolutely no operational or implementation details agreed,” he said, explaining that even the necessary legislation hasn’t been written yet.
The situation is particularly frustrating for pharmacists, who sent four unanswered letters to the Department between October and Christmas raising concerns about the scheme. Murray warns that once planning actually begins, it could take “several months” to implement the required IT systems.
Adding to the controversy, the proposed scheme still requires women to pay GP and pharmacy fees, unlike the existing contraceptive scheme which covers all costs. Murray called this difference “inequitable” and suggested an integrated women’s healthcare plan would be more effective.
The delay comes amid broader tensions between pharmacists and the government, with pharmacies facing a 16-year pay freeze and 10% of stores operating at a loss. Murray described the government’s approach as “disrespectful” to the profession.
According to The Journal, a Department of Health spokeswoman could only confirm that “the goal is to introduce this measure as soon as possible,” leaving thousands of menopausal women waiting indefinitely for the promised support.