I wish to advise the Deputy that, according to figures released by the CSO, the birth rate among teenage girls has declined in the last ten years. In 2011, there were 399 births registered to mothers under the age of 18 years while in 2010 the figure was 483. In overall terms, the number of births to teenagers (i.e. those aged less than 20 years) has actually declined from 3,087 in 2001 to 1,720 in 2011. Overall, this represents a 44% decrease in births to teenagers since 2001.
The HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme (formerly the Crisis Pregnancy Agency) is the national programme in charge of developing and implementing a national strategy to address the issue of crisis pregnancy in Ireland. The Programme has implemented two national strategies to date and is currently implementing its third Strategy 2012-2016 (to be published). Research carried out by the Programme indicates that the birth rate for teenagers has declined mainly due to improvements in sex education and awareness of contraception. The research has found that the vast majority of young people are using contraception the first time they have sex and every time they have sex. As part of its mandate to reduce the number of crisis pregnancies, the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme supports a number of teenage health initiatives that work with young people to enhance their knowledge and awareness of sexual health and relationships in both formal and non-formal education settings. For example, the Programme developed www.b4udecide.ie, a website for teenagers and their parents, teachers and youth workers which provides information on relationships and sex, as well as dealing with peer pressure and improving self-esteem. The Programme also oversees the delivery of targeted communication campaigns, customised information and educational programmes, and other initiatives across a range of settings and across the life cycle.
In terms of services dealing with the impact of crisis pregnancy, State funded Crisis Pregnancy Counselling services are available at over 50 locations nationwide. They are open to young people experiencing a crisis pregnancy who may attend along with their parents/guardian. A full list of these services is available at www.positiveoptions.ie. All of services are available free of charge. The HSE also funds the Teen Parents Support Programme, available in 11 locations nationwide, which offers practical and emotional supports to teen parents and their families. Support is available from the beginning of the pregnancy right through until the resulting child is 2 years of age. CURA, funded by the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme, also provides a post natal support service for new parents of all ages.
In relation to social security, I have been advised by officials in the Department of Social Protection that the One Parent Family Payment (OFP) is available to all teenage mothers who qualify for it. Figures indicate that there are currently 202 recipients of the payment who are under the age of 18 years. Officials in the Department of Social Protection estimate that some €43,995 per week or €2,287,771 per annum is currently spent on OFP recipients who are aged under 18 years. Parents are also eligible for Child Benefit, and may qualify for Family Income Support, and Rent Supplement, depending on their circumstances. If the Deputy requires more details on these matters, I would advise him to contact the Department of Social Protection.
