Vol. 519 No. 6
48 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the recently published study by Women's Healthcare Services in general practice, which shows that more than 40% of general practitioners do not provide certain family planning services; the steps he will take in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14527/00]
The study to which the Deputy refers is entitled "Women's Healthcare Services in General Practice" and was published by the Irish College of General Practitioners. Its aim was to generate information which would direct the development and strengthening of women's reproductive health care services provision in general practice. I welcome the publication of this detailed report, which provides useful information and insights into the family planning and other reproductive health services provided by general practitioners.
The study shows that almost all GPs provide hormonal contraception and that over 90% provide sterilisation counselling and emergency contraception. Certain other types of family planning service were found to be less frequently available in general practice, with a range of reasons, foremost of which were doctors' lack of skill and the lack of demand among patients, being cited in this regard.
The Government is committed to the continued development of family planning and pregnancy counselling services. In this regard, additional funding of £1 million in 1999 and £1.6 million in 2000 has been provided to the health boards. Boards have been asked, when developing policy, to concentrate on measures aimed at reducing unwanted pregnancies in the 15-34 age-group. These include the provision of services which are accessible to young people and which meet their needs in relation to issues such as confidentiality and hours of operation. Educational or promotional activities should focus on such issues as the need for responsible sexual behaviour of young people at risk, increased awareness of pregnancy counselling services and the cultivation of more responsible attitudes to alcohol, with particular regard to alcohol and sexual activity.
General practice has a major role to play in the delivery of family planning services and the health boards will continue to work with general practitioners and other service providers to develop the range of services available.
