Ms Kathy Maher:

I will respond to the Deputy's first question on contraception and how women access the service. Since November 2011, pharmacies have been required by law to have consultation space that is audibly and visually private within their premises. What happens in the consultation space stays confidential for that woman. When I bring a patient into my consultation room, nobody knows what my conversation is about. I gave this example to my colleagues this morning. Last Monday morning I had a conversation about a crisis pregnancy, a conversation about domestic violence and a conversation about emergency hormonal contraception. That was all before 11.30 a.m. last Monday morning. I know what happens within my consultation space. I provide the best pharmaceutical care to my patients, but I also know they are assured that it is a confidential space for them where they can engage with a healthcare professional.

We do not really come across any protesting or any barriers in that respect for women. We think that giving access to contraception for women's healthcare is vital in reducing barriers. As I said earlier, this is such a timely day to have this discussion. Access to care and access to contraception will encourage women to take ownership of their own health journey and be project managers in their own health journey and their own sexual health which is really important. Pharmacists play a key role in that.