Ms Kathy Maher:

I do not necessarily believe there is a resistance within the Department. This would be a change of practice in Ireland and we are trying to drive the future of Irish pharmacy and healthcare for women forward. There is engagement. We see the introduction of free contraception for women as a positive first step, but we know that the only barrier is not financial. The barrier to access is a great barrier as well. We see pharmacists as the most accessible healthcare professional. We have longer hours. Women in some regions can access this service, for example, New Zealand, the UK and 19 states in the US. We are engaging with the Department and we want to drive this forward.