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Free contraception scheme for 17 to 25-year-olds available from today

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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.

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Lawless Jewellery named finalist in Irish Made Awards

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Independent College Street jewellery brand Lawless has been named a finalist in the Jewellery category of the 2026 Irish Made Awards, run by Irish Country Magazine.

Founded by designer-maker Lyndsay Lawless, the one-woman business creates celestial jewellery inspired by mythology, symbolism, and the night sky.

Each piece is handcrafted using stainless steel and natural gemstones in her studio located within the Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve.

The collections are available online and stocked locally at LI•LY on College Street, which serves as the brand’s retail home in Killarney.


The nomination comes as both Lawless and the Irish Made Awards celebrate their 10th anniversaries this year. After relocating from London to Kerry in 2015 following a career with the NHS, Lawless established the business the following year.


“I have spent ten years building the brand in Kerry, designing and making beneath the protected night skies of the reserve, then bringing that work into Killarney through LI•LY,” said Lawless. “To have it recognised on a national stage means a huge amount. Every order, shop visit, recommendation, and kind word from customers has helped get Lawless here. Now that the decision includes a public vote, I would love Kerry to get behind its own.”


Public voting is open online at irishcountrymagazine.ie/vote until September 8. Winners will be announced during an awards ceremony at The Johnstown Estate in County Meath on September 30.

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Scarlett celebrates 10 years on Scott Street

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Scarlett celebrates 10 years on Scott Street



There was plenty of style, colour, and celebration on Scott Street on Saturday as fashion boutique Scarlett marked 10 years in the town centre.



Friends, long-standing customers, and well-wishers called in throughout the day to celebrate the milestone anniversary with the team.

Fashion consultant and style influencer Helena Brosnan, known as Super Bett, was in store throughout the day to offer personalised styling advice to shoppers.

“I wondered how busy we would be with the end of the summer holidays and Ladies Day at the Killarney Races taking place,” said owner Karen Griffin. “We were delighted with the turnout. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces coming through the door to celebrate 10 years of Scarlett in Killarney.”

Scarlett’s story began in Midleton, Co. Cork, before opening its Killarney boutique in 2016. Catherine McIlvenna joined partner Karen Griffin at the Scott Street store on Saturday to host the anniversary event.

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