Madam, - In response to Louis Power's letter regarding STDs and condoms (July 1st), I believe our Government should do two things to promote safe sex and protect against STDs.
1. Remove VAT from condoms. This will reduce the cost, making them more attractive to buy.
2. Encourage safe sex (using condoms) in Sex Education in schools from an early age. This will, no doubt, cause uproar from many parents who believe their child would only be encouraged into promiscuity. This is not the case, however. At the ages of 12 to 24, teenagers are not impressionable. If we teach safe sex while teaching about sex. I believe our message of safe sex will make a lasting impression. Sexually transmitted diseases are forever on the increase, including HIV and AIDS.
The only way to protect our children from these is to promote safe sex as soon as we teach about sex. Our best hope is to train them while they're young. And let's face it: teaching abstinence is not going to work in this day and age. - Yours, etc.,
HOLLY FAWCETT, Ryevale Lawns, Leixslip, Co Kildare.