Free contraception for 17 to 25 year old's is on its way.
A bill containing the measure has now passed the legislative process and will be signed into law by the president shortly.
Legislation to make contraception free to young women was first announced in October 2021 and will cost the State 26 million euro annually.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly wants to see the scheme extended to older age groups.
Advertisement
"We're starting with 17 to 25 year olds.
"We hope to expand it, we will expand it but we have to start somewhere.
"It's very expensive.
"The full year cost is about 26 million euro.
Advertisement
"That's more expensive than the new development funding for cancer for the national cancer strategy and it's about three times the national maternity strategy."
