Over the counter contraceptives could be available by this summer pending approval from Cabinet

A bill that will allow pharmacists to dispense medicines like the contraceptive pill without a prescription will be presented to Cabinet today.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly will bring the bill before cabinet for legislation which will aim to give greater access to contraception without the need to see a GP, in certain circumstances.

The legislation will also allow for other medicines for minor ailments such as conjunctivitis to be sold over the counter. 

Additionally, it will allow for the implementation of "Medicines Substitution Protocols" on a time limited basis to help combat medicine shortages in Ireland, which has become an ongoing problem.

The Protocol will allow pharmacists to supply specified therapeutic alternative medicines where there is a shortage of a prescribed medicine.

Pending approval from Cabinet, the legislation is expected to be published shortly and enacted by summer 2024.