Written answer
Health Services
The Minister said acute-sector LARC training is being developed and may launch by end-2026, with the HSE to provide further details.
3572. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Health for an update on work to develop a scheme to train more staff in the acute sector to fit long-acting reversible contraceptives; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61808/26]
Comment on this
The free contraception scheme (FCS) for women aged 17 -25, ordinarily resident in Ireland, was launched on 14th September, 2022. Its remit has been expanded gradually to include women aged from 17 to 35 inclusive, with the most recent expansion taking place from July 1st, 2024.
Approximately €45m is allocated to support the scheme annually and approximately 2,450 GPs, primary care, family planning and student health centres and just over 1,900 community pharmacies across the country participating in the scheme in 2025.
The scheme covers the cost of consultations with GPs, primary care, student health and family planning centres and prescriptions for the wide range of contraceptive options available on the HSE Re-Imbursement List, including long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs: injections, intra-uterine devices and systems (coils) and implants) and emergency contraception in addition to the contraceptive Pill, patch and ring. LARC fittings, removals, injections and check-ups are also free of charge under the scheme.
Funding of approximately €200,000 per annum is provided to the ICGP to support training for GPs in fitting, training and removing LARCs. The ICGP advise that, between January 2024 and January 2026, approximately 200 contraception certificates were issued, with more GPs undergoing training currently.
Access to free contraception is also available on an emergency basis through the National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP), enabling maternity units, hospitals, postnatal clinics, and Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) to provide free contraception to patients who might have difficulty accessing the scheme through primary care.
These include individuals attending postnatal or post-termination of pregnancy (ToP) appointments, those accessing SATUs in emergency situations, and those facing barriers to accessing contraception through GPs and pharmacies or who may face other challenges that limit access through primary care. NWIHP advise that at least 3,000 women accessed free contraception through their services in 2025.
NWIHP receive funding of €1.3 million per annum to supply free contraception in maternity & gynae hospitals and services. As part of this funding, they are developing LARC training for staff in the acute sector. It is envisaged that this may be in place by the end of 2026.
As the details of the NWIHP training scheme development is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to provide a response to the Deputy, as soon as possible.