Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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884. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the copper coil is not covered under the free contraception scheme; if she plans on making it free in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38866/25]

Colm Burke (Cork North-Central, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for the question. 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. The Reimbursement List can be accessed and searched at:

From Q1, 2025, the HSE advises that there is now one form of the copper coil, the Yanae, which is included on the Re-Imbursement List. This form of the copper coil is therefore now available through the Free Contraception Scheme - Yanae Cu 380 Mini Intrauterine Device Pack 1 (A), code 67255.