We heard from Deputy Rice about the extortionate cost of GP care for families all across the country, which ranges between €50 and €100. Not only is that incredibly expensive, but woman will probably pay double that to get basic healthcare once they are premenopausal or menopausal. GPs will charge between €120 and €200 or, perhaps, €250 for a consultation when it comes to menopausal clinics. That is an incredible amount of money. We are in a lucky situation where we know a lot more about menopause. We know the symptoms. A total of 51% of the population will experience menopause. Some will sail through it, while others will find it more challenging. For those who find it challenging, there are medical interventions available. I welcome the hormone replacement therapy, HRT, initiative the Government came out with. That is important. For women wishing to go on HRT, however, they must first be assessed. In order to be assessed and receive a prescription, they have to go to their GP. If they go to their GP with any symptom that could be related to menopause, they will be charged extra. They will be charged €150 plus whatever else it costs for the blood work. That is just for one consultation relating to menopause. I do not know of any other medical condition for which people have to pay extra to be seen. I have spoken to GPs about this and the rationale is that they are longer consultations. That is fair enough. There is probably an argument for that. However, if I were to go to my GP with a mental health issue, it would require a long consultation but I would not be charged extra. If I were to go to the GP with more serious medical issues, they would also involve long consultations, but I would not be charged extra. I do not understand why menopausal women have to pay twice or three times the amount a normal GP clinic charges. That is inherently unfair. I acknowledge the free HRT. It has been a lifesaver for so many. When times are tough and family budgets are tight, however, I know women will not look after themselves. If that means not getting a GP appointment because it will cost €150 or €200, they will sacrifice their health so that their family can be looked after. That should not be the case. I ask the Minister of State to take that on board and look into those unfair costs for menopausal women.

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