Carlow TD says free contraception scheme 'further removes barriers to women’s healthcare'

The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly announced that the free contraception scheme has been expanded and now includes women aged 17 to 30 years.   

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.  

Local Fianna Fáil TD, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor, welcomed the news saying “Women’s health is a top priority and I’m delighted that the free contraception scheme has been expanded, further removing financial barriers to women’s healthcare, particularly in the context of the current cost of living crisis.”

The scheme covers the cost of consultations with GPs, family planning, student health and primary care centres and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the Health Service Executive (HSE) Re-Imbursement List. The scheme includes long-acting reversible contraception such as implants and the coil. It also includes emergency contraception in addition to the oral contraceptive Pill, patch and ring.   

Almost 2,400 GPs and 1,950 pharmacies have signed up to provide services and products under the scheme to date. Approximately €31.5 million was allocated to support the scheme in 2023.    

Since 1st September 2023, women who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and aged from their 17th birthday until the day before their 31st birthday will be eligible for free contraception under the scheme.