Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
640. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to make the free contraception scheme accessible for marginalised communities, including disabled women, migrant women, Traveller women and Roma women, in terms of telemedicine, eligibility without a PPSN and inclusion of pharmacist prescribing as part of the roll-out. [11354/23]
View answer641. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of members of the clinical expert group on the free contraception scheme in the HSE. [11355/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 640 and 641 together.
The free contraception scheme was launched on 14th September, 2022. The scheme is currently open to women aged 17-26 who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and will be extended to women aged 30 and under by September 1st, 2023. Funding through Budget 2023 was also allocated to expand the scheme to 16 year-olds, but this is subject to consultation across Government, legal advice and legislative amendment.
The questions from the deputy raise a number of queries in relation to the free contraception scheme:
a. access to the scheme for marginalised and vulnerable groups who may not have a PPSN.
b. telemedicine
c. the provision of some forms of hormonal contraception by pharmacists without the need for prescription
In relation to access of the scheme by women who face challenges in accessing the scheme including those who may be vulnerable or marginalised, it is my understanding that in any situation where a person requires a Personal Public Service Number (PPSN) to access urgent or emergency medical services, but hasn’t yet been assigned one, the Department of Social Protection can and will allocate a PPSN for that purpose. There is regular ongoing engagement between the Department of Health and the HSE to facilitate the operation of the scheme and to resolve any issues that may arise, and we will continue to ensure the positive rollout and enhancement of the scheme.
With regard to the inclusion of telemedicine and a wider role for pharmacists in improving access to free contraception, my officials have submitted a number of questions regarding these options, to clinical experts within the HSE for consideration. A group was convened under the governance of the HSE’s Integrated Care Lead and includes experienced obstetricians/gynaecologists, nurses and midwives, a clinical pharmacist, a paediatrician, and general practitioners.
With regard to the detail details of the membership of the HSE Expert Clinical Group, I have asked that the HSE respond directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.
