John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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640. To ask the Minister for Health the measures being taken to make the free contraception scheme accessible for marginalised communities, including disabled women, migrant women, Traveller women and Roma women, in terms of telemedicine, eligibility without a PPSN and inclusion of pharmacist prescribing as part of the roll-out. [11354/23]

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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641. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of members of the clinical expert group on the free contraception scheme in the HSE. [11355/23]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 640 and 641 together.

The free contraception scheme was launched on 14th September, 2022. The scheme is currently open to women aged 17-26 who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and will be extended to women aged 30 and under by September 1^st, 2023. Funding through Budget 2023 was also allocated to expand the scheme to 16 year-olds, but this is subject to consultation across Government, legal advice and legislative amendment.

The questions from the deputy raise a number of queries in relation to the free contraception scheme:

a. access to the scheme for marginalised and vulnerable groups who may not have a PPSN.

b. telemedicine

c. the provision of some forms of hormonal contraception by pharmacists without the need for prescription

In relation to access of the scheme by women who face challenges in accessing the scheme including those who may be vulnerable or marginalised, it is my understanding that in any situation where a person requires a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) to access urgent or emergency medical services, but hasn’t yet been assigned one, the Department of Social Protection can and will allocate a PPSN for that purpose. There is regular ongoing engagement between the Department of Health and the HSE to facilitate the operation of the scheme and to resolve any issues that may arise, and we will continue to ensure the positive rollout and enhancement of the scheme.

With regard to the inclusion of telemedicine and a wider role for pharmacists in improving access to free contraception, my officials have submitted a number of questions regarding these options, to clinical experts within the HSE for consideration. A group was convened under the governance of the HSE’s Integrated Care Lead and includes experienced obstetricians/gynaecologists, nurses and midwives, a clinical pharmacist, a paediatrician, and general practitioners.

With regard to the detail details of the membership of the HSE Expert Clinical Group, I have asked that the HSE respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.

Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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642. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the provision of a chest-bracing service for children under the public healthcare system as of March 2023; when he expects the HSE National Service Plan 2023 to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11357/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly with the information sought as soon as possible.

In relation to the second part of this question relating to the National Service Plan - I have also included this as part of the note to the HSE which is as follows:

Following a review of the 2023 National Service Plan, the HSE is currently revising the plan in line with considerations and feedback provided by my Department and other stakeholders. On that basis, I expect to receive a revised NSP shortly for consideration.

In line with the Act, the NSP, when approved, will be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 days. After this the HSE will ensure it is published at the earliest possible time.