Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I accept there is sex education in schools but is it adequate considering the findings of this study? The average age for first sexual experience for Irish people is now 17 so we can assume most people are sexually active while they are still at school. Women who have sex before the age of 17 are 70% more likely to have an unplanned pregnancy and three times more likely to experience an abortion. Is what we are teaching adequate?

Deputy Fiona O'Malley suggested we remove VAT from condoms and she has a point, but we also need to arm young people with more knowledge and guidance, as well as with a piece of rubber, before we send them out into the world. Does the Minister agree that we must examine what is happening in schools in light of the findings of this survey?

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