The Dáil has heard a call for a review of the free HRT scheme to ensure that all women are included, particularly in relation to the drug Veoza.
During Leaders' Questions, Fianna Fáil TD Aindrias Moynihan said this non-hormonal-based medication is aimed at supporting women going through the menopause and is "particularly useful" to cancer survivors who cannot use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Mr Moynihan said the drug has been "going through the process for qualification" for "quite some time".
"At this stage, the manufacturer has responded, and the ball is very much with the Pharmaeconomic centre," he said.
He asked for this process to be prioritised.
Mr Moynihan said it is "more than just Veoza" and there are other drugs that may be useful to women who cannot use hormone-based therapies.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin acknowledged that Veoza is an "important" one for those with a history of cancers, such as breast cancer, who cannot take HRT due to the risk of cancer occurrence.
"I understand the real difference that this medication can make to a person's quality of life," he said.
In relation to Veoza, he said the National Centre for Pharmaeconomics recommended a full Health Technology Assessment from the company to assess its clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness.
He said the HSE received this dossier from the company on 20 August - 16 months after requesting it.
Mr Martins said Veoza remains "under consideration".
Mr Martin said he will come back to the Fianna Fáil TD on the issue.
