Community Pharmacists are welcoming the fact that women on medical cards will be able to get emergency contraception for free from their pharmacist.

Previously, those with medical cards had to visit their GP in order to get a prescription, or else pay for the pill themselves.

Now, pharmacists will be reimbursed for providing emergency contraception to those on medical cards.

Outgoing President of the Irish Pharmacy Union, Kathy Maher, says time is critical when it comes to taking emergency contraception: