Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend and welcome the motion from our Green Party colleagues. I note the fact it is a clear commitment in the programme for Government. Furthermore, it is a recommendation in the report of the committee on the eighth amendment. While many recommendations in the committee's report gained huge traction and coverage at the time, this particular recommendation did not. It is a critical recommendation of the good work done by that committee, in which many colleagues from the House, including Senator Clifford-Lee, were involved. It is urgent at this stage that this recommendation, which is now a key commitment in the programme for Government, is delivered.

It is believed the recommendation would cost a total of €80 million to €100 million. That is cheap. It is very good value for money. As has been said, young people between the ages of 18 and 25 put the rent, food and survival on the table first as opposed to contraception. This is just human instinct and human nature. Therefore, this is where the State, which is supposed to be there to protect people, should intervene and should be there to facilitate what is extremely important.

We have come a long way and the referendum on the eighth amendment reflects this. It was an amazing step forward in how people treat other people and how society treats women who find themselves in a vulnerable situation. I was very proud at the time to play an active part in campaigning for a "Yes" vote. I think of the Oireachtas Members at the time. We could count on one hand the number of them who put up posters calling for a "Yes" vote in the west coast and rural areas, which was a pity because they did not really read the mood of the people. I was absolutely convinced at the time that the people would repeal the eighth amendment.

I want to speak for a moment about the issue of sex education. As Senator Clifford-Lee quite correctly pointed out, we all went through the system 20 or 30 years ago and it was non-existent. My fear is that it is extremely patchy. I also agree with the point that parents need to be educated on how to educate their children in sex education. Many parents do not have the skill set because their generation never experienced sex education. This is something that needs to happen. How it happens I do not know but it does need to happen.

Approximately two years ago, I was away with Senator Clifford-Lee representing the Parliament abroad. The first time I heard of period poverty was then, when she spoke to me about it. I was horrified at the concept. I commend her for the work she has done in highlighting the issue of period poverty. We as a State need to step up to the plate in this area.

The motion is super. It really does highlight the commitment in the programme for Government that needs to be delivered on. The three parties in government have a responsibility to deliver on it. I know everyone is committed to it and everyone speaks about wanting it to happen but let us make it happen.

I should have said at the outset that the Minister of State is extremely welcome to the House. I have no doubt about his commitment in this area. These motions are ideal for the Seanad because the Seanad gives us an opportunity to articulate a view which, I hope, informs the Government. Over the years, the House has done this so often and has succeeded. Let us hope that today the motion will give a gentle reminder to the Government that the clock is ticking and let us get on with it.