Free condoms will be available at universities when students return next month, Minister for Health Simon Harris has confirmed.
The move is part of a Government initiative to increase access to birth control, reduce the number of crisis pregnancies and increase awareness about STIs.
There are also plans to roll out the anti-HIV medication PrEP.
The condoms will be available throughout campuses.
Mr Harris said the investment will allow for expanded access to the groups most at risk - which include third-level students.
He added providing services that improve sexual health is crucial.
Mr Harris: “We have allocated €500,000 to join the Fast Track Cities Initiative and increase community HIV testing.
“Later this year, we will roll out PrEP.
“As Health Minister, I believe it is crucial we work to reduce the number of crisis pregnancies, increase awareness about sexually transmitted infections and improve sexual health.”
The initiative is comes on foot of recommendations from the Oireachtas committee on the Eighth Amendment, which urged the Government to increase access to contraception.
This includes targeted investment in the provision of free condoms. Figures from 2018 show 409,319 condoms and 287,565 lubricant sachets were delivered through National Condom Distribution Service to individuals and groups who may be at an increased risk of negative sexual health outcomes.
This number is expected to increase significantly next month once the condoms become freely available.
In addition, the Department of Health is investing in a general population survey in 2020 on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of sexual health and wellbeing and crisis pregnancy in Ireland.
