Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I do not agree we are complacent. We are aware of the difficulties that exist. We have taken action to highlight to young people the dangers of unprotected sex. We work with the Department of Education and Science in schools. Outside the school setting we engage with youth groups to provide education and promotional material. We run a national public awareness campaign to promote sexual health directed at men and women aged between 18 and 35 years. That campaign aims to increase awareness of safe sex and sexually transmitted infections.

Promotional campaigns are only part of the solution to the problem. There must be back-up too. A recent study of third level students showed that when in difficulty they are reluctant to come forward and seek advice. We are working with the colleges to ensure we have a team available on campus to deal with students in trouble.

We have run a national awareness campaign for the past six years for which we will provide over €200,000 this year. In 2000 the figure for that campaign was €106,000.

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