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The Women's Health Council is a statutory body set up in 1997 (under statutory instrument No. 278 of 1997) to advise the Minister for Health and Children on all aspects of women's health. Its mission is to inform and influence the development of health policy to ensure the maximum health and social gain for women in Ireland. The membership of the Women's Health Council is representative of a wide range of expertise and interest in women's health.

Background

In 1995 the Department of Health held a nation-wide consultation with women aimed at defining a framework for women's health policy. Out of this process came the Women's Health Plan. The Plan recommended the setting up of the Women's Health Council, a permanent body to ensure effective and appropriate policy for women's health care. The work of the Women's Health Council is guided by three principles:

1. Equity based on diversity - the need to develop flexible and accessible services which respond equitably to the diverse needs and situations of women
2. Quality in the provision and delivery of health services to all women throughout their lives
3. Relevance to women's health needs.

Mission Statement

The Women's Health Council exists to influence the development of Health Policy at regional, national and international levels in order to ensure the maximum health and social gain for women.