Pharmacists welcome availability of morning-after pill

Pharmacists are welcoming the decision to allow the morning-after pill to be sold without prescription in pharmacies across the country.

The Irish Medicines Board has approved one brand of emergency contraception for over-the-counter sale.

NorLevo is expected to be made available over the counter, to women or girls of any age, for about €10.

The Irish Pharmacy Union has described the decision as a landmark one for women.

The Boots chain of pharmacies has been selling the morning-after pill without prescription for the past month.