Free contraception for 26-year-old women from January

The scheme will cover the contraceptive pill as well as other long-lasting forms of contraception such as the coil. Picture: Andy Gibson

The free contraception scheme is to be extended to some women earlier than expected, the Irish Examiner understands.

In Budget 2023, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly secured funding to extend the scheme to women aged 26-30 years from September next year.