Press Releases
'Rise in STIS serious wake-up call for Ireland' – O'Malley
Progressive Democrats TD Fiona O'Malley has described latest figures showing a significant increase in the number of sexually transmitted infections as 'a serious wake-up call for Irish society and underlines the clear need for more comprehensive sex education programmes.'
'Clear need for comprehensive sex education programme'
Progressive Democrats TD Fiona O'Malley has described latest figures showing a significant increase in the number of sexually transmitted infections as 'a serious wake-up call for Irish society and underlines the clear need for more comprehensive sex education programmes.'
Deputy O'Malley was reacting to figures published by the National Disease Surveillance Centre in its annual report. The report links the rise in STIS to an increase in unsafe sexual practices.
'“In Ireland – in line with other European countries – incidents of STIs are increasing at a very worrying rate. We cannot afford to brush this problem under the carpet as we have done with similar problems in the past.”
'The safe sex message is not getting through. We must ask why, where are we going wrong, and how we can adopt a more open approach?' according to O'Malley.
'International studies repeatedly show that empowering young people with quality information about relationships, and sexual health is a key component in tackling the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. The more educated and more aware young people are, particularly young women, the less likely they are to have unprotected sex.'
'We need to commit serious investment in our sexual health programmes. All elements of the health sector must re-double efforts to communicate effectively a safe sex message.
'In developing programmes for young people on issues of sexual health, we must fully engage with to ensure these programmes are accessible and appropriate to their particular needs.'
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