asked the Minister for Health the progress which has been made by the health boards in implementing family planning programmes under the Health (Family Planning) Act, 1985; if he has satisfied himself with the progress made so far; the measures, if any, he intends to take to encourage the greater provision by health boards of family planning programmes in their areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Family Planning.
46.
The Health (Family Planning) (Amendment) Act, 1985, empowered health boards to sell contraceptives at health institutions operated by the boards, in accordance with the terms of the Health (Family Planning) Acts, 1979 and 1985. Health boards are required by section 3 (1) of the 1979 Act and Article 3 of the associated 1980 Family Planning Regulations, to make available a service which provides information, instruction, advice or consultation in relation to any one or more of the topics of family planning, contraception and contraceptives. Such a service may be made available through an agency arrangement with an extern body.
The 1979 Act specifically requires health boards to make available a family planning service which includes information, instruction, advice and consultation in relation to methods of family planning which do not involve the use of contraceptives.
The health boards fulfil their statutory role by the funding of national organisations which provide courses in natural family planning in each health board area.
In addition, some health boards have entered into local arrangements whereby they give financial support to voluntary family planning clinics which provide services within the health board's functional area.
I should also point out that medical consultations in relation to family planning matters are available free of charge to medical card holders in the GMS scheme. Similarly, advice on family planning is a matter which would arise in the provision of maternity services in health board and public voluntary hospitals. Matters relating to family planning would also be encountered by public health nurses from time to time, particularly in their contact with young mothers.
Health boards are not required by the legislation to operate family planning clinics nor are they obliged to sell contraceptives at health board premises.
A range of contraceptive requisites are generally available for purchase at the majority of retail pharmacies, while the various voluntary family planning clinics provide a range of consultative services and a sales facility in urban centres. These aspects must be taken together with the role played by general practitioners in the provision of consultations and advice on family planning matters. I am satisfied, therefore, with the general range of services currently available.