Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan offers her apologies because she cannot be with us. I am grateful for the opportunity to raise this issue on behalf of the Oireachtas all-party interest group on sexual and reproductive health and rights. The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Costello, will be aware that, with the Rio+20 conference and the target date for realisation of the millennium development goals imminent, Ireland along with its international development partners will be evaluating the progress achieved, restating and renewing their commitments to achieving the unmet goals, setting new targets and, most important, establishing priorities. The all-party interest group is concerned to ensure Ireland prioritises gender issues and, specifically, sexual and reproductive health and rights in its input into these decisions, particularly while it exerts its influence while holding the EU Presidency.

Family planning is particularly important in this regard because it underpins the achievement of all the millennium development goals. The ability of women in poor countries to decide when to start having children and how to space them improves maternal and infant mortality, reduces miscarriages and abortions, particularly unsafe abortions which are unfortunately most prevalent in poorer countries, and impacts on the material well-being of the entire population because fewer children mean better fed and educated children.

In renewing the sustainable development targets in the Rio+20 conference, it is crucial that we do not ignore population issues. Sheer numbers are at least as damaging to the planet as excessive consumption and waste in rich countries. I ask our delegation to bring this message to the table in Rio.

I also wish to raise the issue of women's family planning needs in conflict situations. Women are particularly vulnerable where there is war, natural disaster or mass migration. I welcome the Minister of State's announcement that funds will be transferred from the Ghana depot to the starving people in west Africa. Normally in these situations the priority is food, shelter and medical supplies, while family planning and contraceptives are forgotten. However, it is precisely in situations where law and order breaks down that the latter are needed. If we are to prioritise maternal health, all aspects of aid must be proofed for its impact on this area.

See this speech in context