Women’s Services

Carolyn Harris (Swansea East) (Lab)
6. What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of resources for women’s services in Northern Ireland.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Chris Heaton-Harris)
I thank the hon. Lady for her question. The Government recognise the importance of support services for women. I will continue to engage with women’s groups and organisations supporting women and girls across Northern Ireland. It is vital that the  Executive is restored as soon as possible to deliver on the issues that matter most to the people of Northern Ireland, including vital support services such as those that the hon. Lady has championed through her all-party parliamentary group.

Carolyn Harris
I know that the Secretary of State understands the issues facing menopausal women. With no legislation currently in Stormont, there are no plans for a women’s health strategy and nor is there any proactive work taking place to address the issues, so will he agree to meet representatives of the Menopause Support Group Northern Ireland, hear their concerns and support their campaign for improved menopause services? [Interruption.]

Chris Heaton-Harris
As the House has demonstrated, that is a very popular question, so I can do nothing other than say yes, I will happily meet the hon. Lady.