Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly issued an update on Friday on the ‘free contraception' scheme that was announced in Budget 2022.
In line with findings from the Working Group on Access to Contraception, there are large numbers of people in Ireland who cannot afford or gain access to contraception.
Therefore, the upcoming supports will see free contraception offered to women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort.
Minister Donnelly confirmed that the government would start with the younger age group as they are considered least likely to be financially independent.
On Friday, his department released detailed information about exactly what will be covered in the scheme and when it will be available.
What is covered
According to the latest available information, the scheme will provide:
- the cost of prescription contraception,
- the cost of fitting and/or removal of various types of long-acting reversible contraception and administration of contraceptive injections plus any necessary checks, by medical professionals certified to fit/remove same,
- the cost of training and certifying additional medical professionals to fit and remove long-acting reversible contraception, and
- the cost of a maximum of two consultations per annum with GPs and other doctors to discuss forms of contraception suitable for individual patients and to enable prescription of same.
Date
The Department of Health has said they need to allow for enough time to “bring forward the necessary legislative proposals,” and so the scheme will likely be available in Ireland from August 2022.
Speaking on Friday, Minister Donnelly said; "The work I have asked my Department to undertake to focus on Women’s Health has identified many areas that we need to address swiftly.
“One of those is the cost barrier for many people accessing contraception.
"Contraception is not specifically a women’s health issue, nor do many women use contraception solely as a means of preventing unwanted pregnancy.
“Contraception is used to treat a myriad of other women’s health issues, and a key element of the scheme I am introducing will cover the cost of up to two consultations per annum with a GP or other doctors, empowering young women to discuss forms of contraception suitable to their personal circumstances and medical conditions.”
