Funding of €9m has been allocated for a new free contraception scheme for women aged 17–25.

Women who reside in Ireland will be able to access various forms of contraception via their GP, primary care centres and pharmacists who sign up to provide services under the scheme.

From today, and in the coming weeks, GPs, pharmacies, primary care centres, family planning centres and student health clinics will be signing contracts with the HSE to provide services under the scheme.

"Women’s health is a top priority for myself and this Government and was strongly supported in Budget 2022, with €31 million additional funding for new developments in women’s health, including the €9 million for this contraception scheme," Minister Donnelly said.

He added it represents "another big milestone in the delivery of our commitments, under the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022 – 2023 to improve all areas of women healthcare".

"Access to free contraception was a key recommendation accompanying the Repeal of the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution and is a key element of the Women’s Health Action Plan. The scheme, a vital Programme for Government commitment, puts women aged 17–25 at its centre in providing a full suite of options for them to choose which form of contraception works best for them. We are removing any financial barriers to the age cohort for whom such barriers are most likely to be an issue.”

Information regarding the scheme will be available through the HSE’s www.sexualwellbeing.ie website. This information will be regularly updated and will provide full details of how to access the scheme.