Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2021
530. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the discussions that have taken place in his Department with general practitioner representatives following the budget 2022 announcement in respect of free contraception for persons under 25 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60026/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to providing free contraception for women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort; accordingly, funding for free contraception, starting with women aged 17-25, has been allocated in Budget 2022.
It is envisaged that a wide range of contraceptive options, currently available to medical card holders, will be made available through this scheme. The initiative is gradually being introduced by age cohort, starting with younger women who are least likely to be financially independent and where cost has been shown to be a greater barrier to accessing the most effective forms of contraception, long acting, reversible contraception, or LARCs.
In order to give time to bring forward the necessary legislative proposals and ensure the implementation of service delivery arrangements through the appropriate areas of the healthcare system, it is envisaged that the scheme will commence in August 2022, but this is dependent on legislative timelines. My officials will commence engagement with GP representatives on contractual and service arrangements in 2022.
