The Irish Pharmacy Union is claiming the HSE is discriminating against women with medical cards, when it comes to accessing the "morning-after pill."

Pharmacies have been allowed to supply the "morning after pill" without a prescription since 2011.

But women with medical cards still have to get a GP prescription in order to get the medicine free-of-charge.

The IPU conference today passed a motion calling for the pill to be made available to medical card holders directly from pharmacies.

The organisation's National Conference takes place in Killarney today.

Earlier, members called on the Minister for Health and the HSE to extend the Pharmacy Vaccination Service.

The IPU want the vaccination service to include pneumococcal, shingles, Hepatitis B and travel vaccines.

Members are also calling for a reversal of cuts in professional fees under FEMPI Legislation.

The organisation say any Government plans to unwind the FEMPI legislation for health professionals should be applied equitably to pharmacists.

Kathy Maher is President of the Irish Pharmacy Union and she says pharmacists are ready to deliver more vital services: