Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am very disappointed with the Minister of State's response. I understand the Covid pandemic is causing havoc, particularly for the Department. This issue existed long before Covid so I am very disappointed to hear that no progress at all has been made on it. It is a core issue in the programme for Government. I will be taking it up with the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, to determine whether we can make progress on it because life needs to go on alongside Covid.

The national condom distribution scheme, while welcome, is a male-focused form of contraception. It is not female centred.Women's lives are transformed by access to contraception and they can plan and control their lives and their own fertility. While the condom distribution scheme is welcome it is not at all sufficient. I appreciate the Minister of State saying Ireland is ranked 12th of the 46 countries on access to contraception but this does not mean women can access suitable contraception. By "suitable" I mean longer acting contraception such as coils and implants, which are vital. It is clear from the report that these methods of contraception are not readily accessible in Ireland. I am disappointed with the response but I want to work with the Minister of State and the other Ministers at the Department of Health to get this up and running and delivered.