It has emerged that free Hormone Replacement Therapy for women still hasn’t been rolled out across Ireland, despite Government promises.

The scheme for women going through the menopause was meant to be introduced in January.

HRT, which costs between €30 to €70 a month, is meant to be free - but women will still have to pay the dispensing fee, which the pharmacy charges.

Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said the issue with the delay is over the dispensing charge.

“I think more broadly, there was a perception that it was free entirely, that it was going to cover the dispensing fee,” she said.

“But there wasn't agreement with the pharmacist that they would dispense it and so it wasn't implemented, even though it has been available to be implemented since the beginning of January.”

A woman applies an oestrogen patch. Image: Phanie / Alamy Stock Photo

Minister Caroll MacNeill admits there has been confusion over the scheme.

“This has been an unusual engagement because it's something new the State hasn't done that before, where they've paid for the medication, but not the dispensing fee,” she said.

“I've spoken to women up and down this area and around the country and asked them did they know that they were paying a dispensing fee - most women didn't know that.

“Most women have said to me that they would be happy to pay the dispensing fee.”

Applying HRT Patch. Image: Alamy