I will follow up on a point made by the Deputy. I have spoken to the representatives of some colleges and they have told me that they have the capacity to deliver more therapists and all the professionals we need. They are saying that if they get the funding and resources, they can meet the challenges. I know UCC is rolling out additional courses. There should be more courses to allow universities to deliver more therapists. Parents tell me they cannot get therapists for their children. They feel their children are regressing. There is nothing more heartbreaking for parents than to see their children not living up to their potential because they are being failed by the State and are not getting the support and therapies they need. Parents are heartbroken because they are looking at their children and know that if they do not get support now, it will have a negative effect for the rest of their lives. That cannot be fair.

Sentiment score: -0.12

Like the Minister, I have attended meetings and met women who have described how they have suffered. Their lives have been hugely impacted. Endometriosis has completely changed their quality of life. It has just been horrendous for them. It is good to hear that the Minister is listening to the patient and it is good to see that a framework has been put in place. I accept her sincerity in this but what I do not want to see is more suffering. These women have suffered enough. What we do not want to see is the HSE organising meetings and a lot of things being said but nothing happening. What the women have told us is that on the ground the diagnosis, treatment and support is not available in Ireland. That is what these women are looking for now. The Minister has outlined the work she is doing but she must deliver a patient-centred service. These women have suffered for far too long. Separately, I want to thank the Minister and the Taoiseach. I brought the case of Aisling Thornhill to the attention of the Dáil a couple of weeks ago. Aisling is terminally ill with leukemia. A treatment for her was sought and I want to thank the Minister and the HSE because that treatment is in the process of happening. Aisling has only a short time to live but at least her family knows that everything possible is being done and they asked me to pass on their thanks. Hopefully the treatment will work but if it does not, at least we know that we have all worked together to try to support Aisling and her family. I again thank the Minister for that.

Sentiment score: 0.04