IFPA forced to turn people away

The Irish Family Planning Association says it is being forced to turn people away due to budget cutbacks.

The IFPA's 2011 annual report shows it provided services to almost 19,000 clients last year compared to around 23,000 in 2010.

The sexual health charity says it has been unable to meet the increased demand from medical card holders because of a reduction in funding from the Health Service Executive.

IFPA chief executive Niall Behan said that the organisation's budget allocation has fallen by 25% in four years.

"Contraceptive services doesn't lend itself to waiting lists. It's a service that women require and it is very difficult for both the staff and women concerned," he said.

"The cutbacks are over 25% in the last four years but we would hope that because of the value for money contraceptive services provide, our grant might not be cut again."