Madam, - Robert McNamara (March 23rd) attempts to discredit condoms as a method of reducing the risk of sexually transmitting infections. He calls for increased focus on education.
It is time to end the debate over whether education or contraception is more important in the battle against rising STI rates. It is clearly evident that both are urgently required. Condoms may not provide 100 per cent protection from infections, but they represent (by a clear margin) the most comprehensive form of contraception available at present, and the benefits of their use should not be glibly discounted.
The proposal to remove VAT on condoms should be warmly welcomed. A commitment to provide free contraception (as called for by organisations such as Dublin AIDS Alliance and the Irish Family Planning Association), would be even more welcome. - Yours etc,
NEIL WARD, Campaigns Officer, Labour Youth, Ely Place, Dublin 2.