Survey finds vast majority favour more sex education

Nine out of 10 Irish people are in favour of more sex education at schools and in the home, according to a survey commissioned by the Department of Health and the Crisis Pregnancy Agency.

The survey found that 88% of men and 93% of women in the 18-24 age group had received some form of sex education, compared to only 12% of men and 19% of women between the ages of 55 and 64.

However, most said the information they received was about basic biological details rather than emotional issues or contraception and sexually transmitted diseases.

Elsewhere, the study found that, when parents talk to their children about sex, teenagers are more likely to delay their first sexual experience.

Ten per cent of respondents also said they do not use contraception during sex, even if they don't want to get pregnant.