Teen sex and the age of consent

RECENTLY I read of a conference on teenage sexual matters which concluded, among other things, that “teenagers are gagging for it at 16” (Irish Examiner, February 17).

It seems only 45 young people were involved in the interviews - hardly the majority of Ireland’s teens. They said they wanted increased access to sexual health services (including the morning-after pill and condoms). This, they argued, would help reduce sexually transmitted disease.

I have also read that alcohol is a major factor in cases of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease in this country.