FREE CONDOMS PLAN TO HELP STOP SEX DISEASES
Minister targets bars and clubs in health bid
FREE condoms in bars and clubs are part of proposals being considered by the Health Minister in the battle against sex diseases.
Simon Harris is planning a radical new programme of initiatives on promoting safer intercourse.
Sexually transmitted diseases – including AIDS – are on the rise in Ireland and the minister is determined to increase awareness and improve the country’s health.
He is particularly keen on rolling out his plans in universities and colleges around the country so he can reach young sexually active men and women. Mr Harris has ring-fenced funding in the HSE 2019 Service Plan for his proposals.
He said: “The ancillary recommendations from the Oireachtas committee on the Eighth Amendment’s report point to a number of things that can be done to reduce crisis pregnancies. In 2019, funding has been provided for a number of new initiatives.
“These will help us achieve our goals of reducing crisis pregnancies but also improving public health and supporting sex and relationships education for young people. Sex education shouldn’t stop at schools. We have to ensure parents and those working with young people can help them develop healthy relationships and make informed decisions which protect their health and wellbeing.
“These measures will also improve sexual health and wellbeing across the wider population in this country and reduce the number of sexually transmitted infections.”
A spokesman for Mr Harris said the HSE Service Plan includes a “targeted investment in the provision of free condoms” to allow for expanded access to the groups most at risk, including third-level universities and colleges.