Survey on sexual behaviour

Madam, - Katherine Holmquist's article in last Saturday's Weekend supplement introduces a breath of fresh air to the subject …

Madam, - Katherine Holmquist's article in last Saturday's Weekend supplement introduces a breath of fresh air to the subject of teenage sexual activity. While some politicians, health workers and not a few newspaper editors apparently think that teenage sexual activity should be facilitated "because they're doing it anyway", Ms Holmquist articulated the feelings of an increasingly disquieted majority, who dare to pose the question: "but is it a good thing?"

It behoves the makers of social policy to remember that the obligation to protect children and vulnerable individuals cannot be reduced to prohibitive laws and censure, although these have their place. Those in Government (and those who aspire to be such) must also ensure that citizens are not exposed to harm as a consequence of choices they should not be asked to make in the first place because of their age or mental capacity.

In this subject, as in an increasing number of subjects of national interest, there is a gaping hole where principle should be - in this case the principles involved in caring for other human beings. Ms Holmquist has put her finger on the root of the problem, and the answers are self-evident: we need a serious investment of time, energy and funds in family support, an intelligent policy on under-age drinking and an education system that gives equal priority to academic results and training for citizenship. - Yours, etc,

Dr ORLA HALPENNY, Seaview Terrace, Donnybrook, Dublin 4.

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Madam, - Your reports on "Changes in Sexual Behaviour in Ireland" (October 17th) present a sombre picture of a society becoming progressively dehumanised and self-destructive. Surely it is now time for some positive action to reverse the trend.

Sex instruction/information alone is not the answer. Such instruction needs to be made meaningful by a thorough formation based on human, moral and spiritual values. "Knowledge is not virtue" as Plato reminds us; but knowledge, nourished by a sense of our dignity as rational beings made in the image and likeness of God, can create a context in which love and respect for others, self-discipline and self-control can become acceptable norms of behaviour - "a consummation devoutly to be wished".

Home and school, Church and state must work together to create such a context. When can we start? - Yours, etc,

Sister ANNA MARIA  REYNOLDS CP, Griffith Avenue, Dublin 9.