Madam, - It is disappointing that correspondents on this topic, rather than addressing the argument, have concentrated instead on attacking Father Tom Ingoldsby for daring, as a Catholic priest, to have a view on sexual morality.
There is plenty of evidence to support Father Ingoldsby's argument that advocating free or cheaper condoms (as the Dun Laoghaire TD Fiona O'Malley has done) would encourage promiscuity and lead to an increase in sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). It would indeed be surprising if it were otherwise.
A recent survey by a GP in the UK has shown that STDs in the UK are "out of control", with epidemics of chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis and the highest number of HIV cases ever recorded.
The most important risk factor in contracting an STD is the number of sexual partners, not whether or not a condom has been used. There has been a massive increase in sexual promiscuity as measured by the number of sexual partners, a significant increase in risky sexual behaviour and a trend towards earlier sexual intercourse.
Uganda, which has had major problems with HIV and AIDS, has significantly reduced the incidence of STDs through a successful campaign which also brought about a dramatic reduction in promiscuity and HIV.
Incidentally, the high costs of alcohol, cigarettes and tickets for rock concerts and festivals do not appear to be insurmountable deterrents to many people in the Ireland today, confounding Ms O'Malley's argument that the high price of condoms discourages young people from using them. - Yours, etc.,
LOUIS POWER, Killiney, Co Dublin.