914. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health in relation to the free contraception scheme, the reason commonly used contraceptive medication such as elvina are still excluded; the steps being taken to ensure this scheme becomes genuinely inclusive of all available prescribed contraceptive pills; the processes in place to review and reconsider whether each type of pill is included for funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32262/26]

The Free Contraception Scheme was launched in September 2022, initially for those aged 17-25. It has been gradually expanded and now includes women aged 17-35 from July 1st, 2024. The scheme is open to women, girls and other people identifying as transgender or non-binary, who are ordinarily resident in Ireland and for whom prescription contraception is deemed suitable by their doctors.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and medical items, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).

In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must apply to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the formal Reimbursement List. The HSE have advised that no pricing and reimbursement application has been received for the Elvina oral contraceptive pill.