Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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420. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to expanding the free contraceptive scheme to include long-term, hormone-free contraceptives for women such as the mini-TT 380 copper coil; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10382/25]

Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, 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 Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Medicines and devices provided to GMS (medical) card holders and through the free contraception scheme are listed on the Reimbursement List, which can be accessed and searched at the following link: List of Reimbursable Items - HSE.ie

HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The Minister for Health has no role in these decisions. The HSE considers the NCPE assessment, the outputs from commercial engagements, patient interest group submissions, and any other pertinent information in advance of making a reimbursement decision.

It is necessary for manufacturers of medicines and devices to complete the application process to have products included on the Reimbursement List - should a medication or device of choice not be available on the List, it may be worth contacting the manufacturer to enquire as to whether an application has been made, in addition to contacting the HSE.