Ms Orla O'Connor:

I would like to come in on two or three of Deputy Bríd Smith’s questions, the first of which is on the issue of safe access zones. This legislation has been promised and there is cross-party support for it. We think it needs to be moved without delay. We are concerned by the delay in bringing it forward. In part answer to the Deputy’s question, it is hard to know the combination of factors leading to the poor coverage we have.

We certainly believe, and we know from some evidence from the Southern Taskgroup On Abortion and Reproductive Topics, START, for example, that GPs, particularly in rural areas, are concerned about opening and about protests. This would remove that, and we believe it would assist in broadening the coverage.

To turn to the issue raised on the ancillary recommendations, which are important, I will say something about sex education. This has been the subject of many discussions and debates in the Oireachtas. It is also part of what will be included in the third strategy on gender-based violence. At this point, it is without doubt that we need a comprehensive sex education programme in primary and secondary schools that is obligatory for schools and is part of the core curriculum. It is unfortunate that it is one of the areas getting left behind. In the view of the National Women's Council, it is key for women's health and for wider issue concerning women's equality. Ms Ryan will discuss contraception.