The Government is exploring options for providing free contraception as part of efforts to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. The cost of this could be up to €126 million according to a report in Times Ireland. No evidence has been provided by the Government yet that such a programme would reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.

Increasing access to contraception was a key recommendation of the Oireachtas abortion committee that prepared for repeal of the Eighth amendment and the legislation that followed.

Health Minister Simon Harris has now set out the terms of reference for the Department of Health working group and will brief ministerial colleagues on the issue at a special Cabinet meeting on gender issues on Friday.

“This work will take a number of months to complete but it will deliver a clear pathway forward,” Mr Harris said.

“Cost should not be a barrier to accessing contraception and I am determined to address this. The benefits are clear. This will help to reduce the number of crisis pregnancies and promotes good sexual health. I look forward to receiving the outcome of this work later this year.”