Second-level students at senior cycle should be given free contraceptives which should also be exempted from VAT, Young Fine Gael has suggested.
According to a motion to be discussed at the organisation's 20th national conference in Ballina, Co Mayo, this weekend, legislation should be introduced to address the "worrying rise in cases of sexually transmitted diseases among young people". Third-level students should also receive the free contraceptives.
Citing the Government's Health Promotion Unit, Young FG says there has been a threefold increase in cases of such diseases since 1989, with only 29 per cent in the 18-34 age group "sometimes" using contraception.