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important to note what has been achieved to reduce the cost of healthcare for families over recent years, for example, free contraception up to the age of 35 and no more inpatient bed charges in our hospitals. You used to be charged up to ten days a year

necessary legislative supports to underpin clinical practice regarding consent and safeguarding, as requested by clinical experts prior to supporting access to free contraception for people under the age of 17 years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [63632/25

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health the rationale for restricting the free contraception scheme to women aged 17–35; if she will outline the evidence base used to determine these age limits; and if she will set out a timeline for the scheme’s extension

Minister for Health whether a cost–benefit analysis has been undertaken to assess the financial and public health impact of extending the free contraception scheme to all women, including those aged 36 and above. [59164/25

Flynn asked the Minister for Health if she has sought legal or equality advice regarding whether the current age restrictions on the free contraception scheme could constitute age discrimination under equality legislation. [59165/25

Department has undertaken an equality impact assessment under the public sector equality and human rights duty in relation to the free contraception scheme; if she will outline the outcome of that assessment; and if she will address concerns that the current age-based eligibility criteria may constitute indirect

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Health if her Department has examined whether restricting access to free contraception to women aged 17–35 is compatible with the Equal Status Acts and the public sector equality and human rights duty. [59167/25