A claim that a nurse from a family planning clinic has not been allowed on the UCD campus because abortion counselling and information are among the clinic's services has been denied by the college.
The nurse, from the Dublin-based Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices (MSRC) clinic, had intended to speak to students on the Durex double decker bus when it arrives at the Belfield campus today. While the bus will arrive and give information about safe sex and contraception, the nurse has been denied access.
Ms Deirdre Jones, manager of MSRC, said the clinic was "absolutely flabbergasted" by the decision and could only conclude that the college "objects to the fact that MSRC includes non-directive, non-judgmental abortion counselling and information-giving among its many services".
However, Ms Ruth Gallagher, UCD's information officer, said the nurse was refused access because the college already has a fully staffed health centre, with nurses and doctors.
Ms Jones said their nurse was going to give advice on family planning and sexual health.
"Of course, if she was asked anything about abortion she would have answered these queries too. It is a shame that students won't now have someone to talk to but will have to rely on our leaflets," she said.
Ms Gallagher said that there is no official policy in the college on abortion advice and UCD's doctors are all clinically independent. Any advice on family planning is between the doctors and the student, she said.