The National Women's Council of Ireland (NWCI) has said contraception should be provided free of charge.

It has called on the Government to commit to delivering the measure, as well as ensuring proper funding for the National Maternity Strategy, in Budget 2020.

At the launch of its pre-budget submission, the NWCI also called for the establishment of a Statutory Maintenance Agency and investment to solve the childcare crisis.

The group claims a Statutory Maintenance Agency would reduce the burden on lone parent mothers who go to court for child maintenance.

Orla O'Connor, NWCI director, said: "As things stand, women are forced to secure child maintenance through the courts in an approach that is costly, complex and time consuming.

"This agency will be invaluable to women who require its services, and it will also save the State money long term by reducing the need for legal aid as well as removing this process from the already overburdened courts system."

On contraception, women's health coordinator with the group Dr Cliona Loughnane said: "We're calling on Budget 2020 to provide free contraception for all women who need it.

"Free contraception would best ensure women have access to all forms of evidence-based contraception and importantly, that they can use the method that is most suitable for them.

"Contraception is typically still largely a woman's concern, which means that it is women who are paying for it.

"Universal access would ensure women have access to the health care required to enjoy fulfilling and healthy sexual relations; support prevention of unplanned pregnancies, reducing the need for abortion; and reduce incidence of STIs."

Ms O'Connor added: "While facing into Brexit uncertainty, with enduringly high childcare costs, and the highest rate of women homelessness in Europe, the economic decisions and political choices made in Budget 2020 will be a strong expression of our intentions as a country.

"It is simply impossible to say that we can afford tax cuts, yet we cannot tackle the affordability of childcare for all, build the necessary public housing or provide the appropriate number of refuge places for women fleeing violence.

"Budget 2020 must protect the most vulnerable in society, and moreover invest in an equal future for women."

The group is also calling for a commitment to staffing resources, to ensure proper resourcing of the National Maternity Strategy.