Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill Launches Third National Women's Health Action Plan
A new phase of investment, innovation and improved healthcare for women across Ireland
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has launched the Third National Women's Health Action Plan (2026-2027), setting out the next stage of Ireland's ambitious programme to improve women's healthcare and ensure better health outcomes at every stage of life.
The Action Plan was launched at Tallaght University Hospital, where Minister Carroll MacNeill also visited the hospital's Endometriosis Hub, highlighting the Government's commitment to expanding specialist services for women and girls living with endometriosis.
Since the first Women's Health Action Plan was introduced in 2020, more than €180 million in additional funding has been invested in women's health. This investment has driven some of the most significant improvements ever seen in women's healthcare in Ireland, including:
The introduction of free HRT for women experiencing menopause symptoms
The nationwide rollout of the Free Contraception Scheme
The establishment of specialist Menopause Clinics
Expanded Endometriosis Services
Development of Postnatal Hubs
Introduction of Ambulatory Gynaecology Services
These initiatives have transformed access to care for thousands of women across the country, ensuring that healthcare services better reflect women's needs and experiences.
Building on Real Progress
The new Action Plan focuses on further improving access, quality and outcomes for women while addressing areas where challenges remain.
Key measures include:
Developing a dedicated Women's Health Programme in General Practice
Enhancing early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease in young women
Expanding specialist multidisciplinary Eating Disorder Teams
Developing tailored mental health supports for women living with endometriosis
Increasing public awareness and understanding of endometriosis
Expanding the free period products scheme
Continuing the growth of community-based postnatal supports
The plan also places a strong emphasis on research, innovation and understanding women's health needs throughout the life course to inform future healthcare developments.
A Health Service That Better Supports Women
Speaking at the launch, Minister Carroll MacNeill described the Action Plan as another major step towards ensuring women receive timely, high-quality healthcare throughout their lives.
"The publication of our Third Women's Health Action Plan marks another important step in our commitment to ensuring women receive timely, high-quality healthcare at every stage of life."
The Minister highlighted the importance of expanding specialist endometriosis services, which are helping to deliver earlier diagnosis, better coordinated care and improved access to treatment for women across Ireland.
She also reaffirmed the Government's determination to continue listening to women and responding to their healthcare needs through sustained investment and service improvement.
Delivering Lasting Change
The Women's Health Action Plan 2026-2027 demonstrates the Government's continuing commitment to building a healthcare system that recognises and responds to the unique health needs of women.
Under Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill's leadership, significant reforms have already delivered tangible benefits for women and families, from free contraception and free HRT to expanded specialist services and enhanced postnatal supports. This new Action Plan builds on those achievements and sets a clear direction for the years ahead.
By continuing to invest in prevention, early intervention, specialist care and research, the Government is helping ensure that women across Ireland can access the care they need, when they need it.
To learn more about the Third National Women's Health Action Plan and the Government's work to improve women's healthcare, visit www.gov.ie.