Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. The use of condoms is one of the simplest and most effective ways to guard against both unplanned pregnancy and the transmission of infection. I encourage sexually active people to continue to act responsibly in this regard. I am aware also of the decision announced recently by the British Chancellor of the Exchequer to reduce the rate of VAT on condoms and other contraceptives from 17.5% to 5% and that this has been welcomed by groups working in the field of sexual health.

The Government established the Crisis Pregnancy Agency in 2001 to address the issue of crisis pregnancy. Its remit includes the objective of seeking to reduce the number of crisis pregnancies by the provision of education, advice and contraceptive services. I am aware that the agency wrote to the Minister for Finance in August 2003 proposing a reduction in the VAT rate on condoms from 21% to 13%. The agency noted that consistent and proper use of contraceptives can help prevent crisis pregnancy, and condoms also afford protection against sexually transmitted infections. It also indicated that clinical trials have shown that correct and consistent use of condoms can lead to 95% to 98% contraceptive efficacy rates. Condoms are widely available from a variety of outlets nationwide without prescription. The Deputy will appreciate that the question of reducing the rate of VAT on condoms is one for the Minister for Finance in the first place and the Minister for Health and Children has no direct role in the matter.

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