Ms Kathy Maher:

We had a positive meeting with the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, at the end of last year. We have raised this matter and received positive soundings that it was something that could be considered. A clinical group has been established within the HSE to look at the safety profile. Oral contraception is a safe medicine that has been available for 50 years. The WHO has stated that there is no clinical reason for it to be supplied on prescription only. The clinical group within the HSE is examining the matter. We are hoping for a positive outcome and to see the situation move quickly.