Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response which gives me some hope. As the Minister of State rightly pointed out, the exemptions do not apply to any particular drug but to a particular cohort of people. The people who are most likely to be taking the contraceptive pill are women, who are a distinguished group in society. There is scope if the willingness exists to provide this exemption. It is unfair that women because of their gender must pay this charge. As indicated in the Minister of State's response, the exemptions to which he referred relate not to a particular drug, but to a particular cohort of people.

I believe this is something we should do. We know that when women can provide space and time between each of their children, the outcomes for those children, women and households are better. This is something with which we should be able to help and support women. We know that having effective family planning in a progressive society leads to good outcomes for children and women. In my humble opinion, it also makes them more productive and effective members of society. I believe there is scope to apply an exemption in respect of the contraceptive pill.

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