Government planning system of free contraception after referendum

The Government will introduce a free contraception system after the referendum on the Eighth Amendment in a bid to revolutionise Ireland’s sex education and sexual health regime.

Health Minister Simon Harris confirmed the plans will be published next month as he insisted the potential removal of the Eighth Amendment will herald a “quantum leap” forward in Ireland’s abortion and sexual health laws.

Speaking during a Dáil debates on the referendum bill governing the upcoming vote, Mr Harris said an internal Department of Health group is examining the “nature and scope” of a free contraception system.