New findings from the Department of Health show that 245 thousand people accessed the scheme at least once between January to September.

The Free Contraception Scheme was first introduced in September of 2022 for 17- to 25-year-olds.

It has been expanded a number of times since and now caters for 17- to 36-year-olds.

New figures show that 245 thousand people accessed the scheme up until September, and the Dept. of Health believe that number will be over 300,000 for the entire year.

This compares to just under 189,000 people who accessed the scheme last year.

It covers the cost of consultations with GPs, family planning and prescriptions for contraception, including emergency contraception.

In a statement, outgoing Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said he's pleased with the growing uptake, saying the scheme provides women with financial freedom for their reproductive health.

With reporting from Jessica Woodlock.