Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, has announced today that free contraception is now available for 17-30-year-olds.
The free contraception scheme is open to women, girls and other people identifying as transgender or non-binary, who live in Ireland and have had contraception deemed suitable for them by their doctor.
The scheme, which was launched in September 2022 for those aged 17-25, was expanded to include 26-year-olds in January of this year.
Minister Donnelly says the scheme impacts positively on reducing costs for women throughout the cost-of-living crisis.
"Ireland has come a long way in terms of the supports it offers for sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equity and family planning."
"Increasing access to free contraception through the free contraception scheme and the National Condom Distribution Service is, therefore, a key priority for this Government, supporting positive sexual health and choice in family planning".
The scheme covers the cost of consultations with GPs, family planning, student health and primary care centres and prescriptions for the range of contraceptive options available on the HSE Reimbursement List.
These options include injections, implants and hormonal and copper intra-uterine devices and systems. Fittings, injections and checks are also free of charge.
The scheme also includes emergency contraception, the oral contraceptive pill, patch and ring.
Further information on both free prescription contraception and the National Condom Distribution Service is available through the HSE's Sexual Wellbeing website.
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