Phil Hogan
Question:106 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Health the specific type and quantity of contraceptives imported into the Republic of Ireland for the year (a) 1988 and (b) 1989.
Written Answers. - Importation of Contraceptives.
The importation of contraceptives is governed by section 5 of the Health (Family Planning) Act, 1979. The duration of an import licence is 12 months (renewable), and does not necessarily conform to the calendar year. For example, certain imports in 1990 may be governed by a licence effective from a date in 1989.
In the years 1988 and 1989 licences granted permitted the importation of condoms, caps and diaphragms up to the maximum figures indicated:
|
Year |
Condoms |
Caps and Diaphragms Combined |
|
1988 |
125,000 gross |
25,000 |
|
1989 |
280,000 gross |
34,000 |
These figures, however, are not necessarily the actual numbers imported. During the period of validity of a licence, the licence holder may in fact import far fewer items than the maximum specified under the terms of the particular licence. I can, however, give precise figures in relation to IUDs. There were 1288 IUDs imported during the calendar year 1988 and 3,000 imported during the calendar year 1989.