Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The free contraception scheme for women aged 17 -25 was launched on 14th September, 2022, and expanded to include 26-30 year-olds, inclusive, on September 1st, 2023 and is currently open to women aged 17-30 ordinarily resident in Ireland. The scheme will be expanded to include women aged 31 on January 1st, 2024.

The scheme covers the cost of consultations with GPs, student health and family planning centres and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the HSE Re-Imbursement List, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs: injections, intra-uterine devices and systems (coils) and implants) and emergency contraception in addition to the contraceptive Pill, patch and ring. LARC fittings, removals, injections and check-ups are also free of charge under the scheme.

Approximately 2,400 GPs, primary care, family planning and student health centres and other related community medical facilities and 2,050 community pharmacies have contracts with the HSE to provide services under the scheme

The number and location of family planning centres and related medical facilities contracted with the HSE to provide State funded services relating to family planning is information held by the HSE, therefore, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.