Ryan O'Meara (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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1191. To ask the Minister for Health her plans to expand the age cohorts included under the free contraception scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2837/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The free contraception scheme was launched in September 2022, initially for those aged 17-25. It has been gradually expanded and now includes women aged 17-35 from July 1st, 2024. The scheme is open to women, girls and other people identifying as transgender or non-binary, who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and for whom prescription contraception is deemed suitable by their doctors.

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 remain eligible for subsequent checks and free removal of any devices inserted prior to reaching the eligibility limit (currently their 36th birthday), to ensure continuity of care. Approximately 2,400 GPs and 2,050 pharmacies have signed up to provide services and products under the scheme to date.

The Programme for Government, 2025, Securing Ireland's Future, commits to continuing to extend access to free contraception. The Department is working on the development of the necessary implementation enablers for contraceptive prescribing by pharmacists to extend or continue a prescription for contraception as part of the work of the Community Pharmacy Expansion Implementation Oversight Group. More information about the group can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/collection/431ce-community-pharmacy-expansion-implementation-oversight-group/

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. 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.

The Second National Sexual Health Strategy is in advanced drafting stage and will contain significantly more detail on future plans for free contraception.