Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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324. To ask the Minister for Health the number of people who have availed of emergency contraception under the free contraception scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5878/24]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The free contraception scheme for women aged 17 -25, ordinarily resident in Ireland, was launched on 14th September, 2022. Its remit has been expanded gradually to include women aged from 17 to 31 inclusive, from January 1st, 2024. Approximately €43.9m has been allocated to support the scheme in 2024 and approximately 2,400 GPs, primary care, family planning and student health centres and 2,050 community pharmacies have contracts with the HSE to provide services under the scheme.

The scheme covers the cost of consultations with GPs, primary care, 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.

Women who have had coils, IUDs, IUSs or implants inserted while eligible under the scheme will remain eligible for subsequent checks and free removal of any devices inserted prior to their 32nd birthday, to ensure continuity of care.

It is important to note that prescription contraception, while being very effective at preventing unplanned pregnancy, does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The National Condom Distribution Scheme supports both STI prevention and accessible contraception for men and their partners. Free condoms can be accessed through the national network of STI clinics, participating charities and NGO partners and on participating 3rd level campuses. Since 2023, free condoms have also been supplied with orders for free home STI testing kits.

As the data regarding the number of people that have availed of emergency contraception is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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325. To ask the Minister for Health his views on concerns raised (details supplied) in respect of the ongoing issues for children awaiting limb reconstruction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5888/24]