TD calls for reduction in VAT on condoms

A Government backbencher has renewed a call for the reduction of VAT on condoms in the wake of the publication of the report on Irish attitudes to sexual health.

Fiona O'Malley (PD, Dún Laoghaire) said public policy should reflect the "modern attitudes to sex and sexuality in Ireland" and given the 140 per cent increase in the incidence of HIV and Aids, "none of us can continue to consider a medical device which offers protection against infection a luxury item".

Calling on her party colleague, Minister for Health Mary Harney, and Minister of State for Health SeáPower to persuade the Minister for Finance to reduce the VAT rate, she said condoms are VAT-rated at 21 per cent for luxury items and it is "something we will have to deal with in the budget".

Ms O'Malley was speaking following the publication of the Irish Study of Sexual Health and Relationships, the main report in a series commissioned by the Department of Health.

She said "the implications of the spiralling growth in sexually transmitted diseases for the future population are worrying indeed".

Mr Power said three sub-reports would be published within the next three months - on first sex and sex education; sexual health challenges and related service provision; and contemporary sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviour.

After this a comprehensive strategy and action plan will be developed, he said.

Mr Power said that following the report, based on a survey of 7,441 people, sexual health policies and services cannot be allowed to fall behind, but must keep pace with change.

The Minister did not respond directly to the appeal for a VAT reduction on contraceptives but said "we can further reduce risky behaviours by improving access to affordable contraception and protection".

He pointed to the findings of the survey that more than 90 per cent of the 18 to 34 age group said they had used a contraceptive at their last sexual encounter. He pointed to "cost, no contraception available, unplanned and not thinking of contraception" as among the reasons those in the youngest age group did not use contraceptives. "This is a base-line study and the findings will inform policy and service development in sexual health-related areas into the future, building on current developments."

The Minister referred to the finding that since 1973, the proportion of the population who agree that sex before marriage is always wrong fell from 71 per cent to 6 per cent.

Mr Power promised that "we can empower people of all ages, but especially our young, with relevant, suitable and meaningful sex education. Recognising the importance of sex education in the home, we can assist and provide resources for parents to fulfil their role."