Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 509: To ask the Minister for Health if he will explain in detail the more than 20% reduction since May 2010 in funding for the Irish Family Planning Association to provide family planning services to GMS clients in Tallaght, Dublin, and, in this context, his views on the commitment during Ireland's examination under the Universal Periodic Review by the UN Human Rights Council in October 2011 to ensure the availability and accessibility of contraceptive services, supplies, information and education on a national basis and without discrimination, of any kind, in particular discrimination based on age, geography, disability or immigration status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32110/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In relation to the query on the funding for the Irish Family Planning Association clinic in Tallaght, as the Deputy's question relates to a local service issue, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply.

In relation to contraceptive services in general, I assume that the Deputy is referring to Recommendation 105.58 of the interactive dialogue during Ireland's Universal Periodic Review. This recommendation, which enjoys the support of the Government, commits it to "ensure the national availability and accessibility to contraceptive services and methods ... taking into account prevention of discrimination based on geographic, status, disability or migrant status". The Government is indeed committed to ensuring that all women have access to information on fertility, contraception and sexual health matters as outlined in the National Women's Strategy 2007-2016 .

A wide range of contraceptive medicinal products and devices are available to patients availing of the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme and Drug Payment Scheme. Under the GMS scheme patients pay a 50c charge per item dispensed, subject to a maximum monthly expenditure per family of €10. Under the Drug Payment Scheme patients pay no more than €120 per month on prescribed medical products and devices for themselves and their family. All residents of Ireland are eligible to hold either a medical card under the GMS scheme or a Drug Payment scheme card.

In terms of availability, acceptability and accessibility, contraceptive medicinal products are widely prescribed by general practitioners and dispensed across the country in pharmacies. Condoms can be purchased without a prescription or consultation with any health care personnel in a variety of settings, including pharmacies, stores, and entertainment venues.

In relation to information, one of the specific priorities of the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme is to improve access to and information on contraception and contraceptive services – particularly for groups at risk of crisis pregnancy. In school settings, relationship and sexuality education, including contraception, is an integral part of the social, personal and health education curriculum.

Question No. 510 answered with Question No. 475.