Irish pharmacy group slashes price of condoms to promote safe sex as colleges return

An Irish pharmacy group has slashed the price of condoms in a bid to promote safe sex.

CarePlus Pharmacy announced that it will pay the VAT on the contraceptive as colleges make their return for the upcoming academic year.

The discounted price will be available at CarePlus' 60 outlets across Ireland.

There has been a significant increase in the number of sexually transmitted infections amongst young people, according to figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

And Niamh Lynch, Commercial Director of CarePlus Pharmacy, said: "We do not believe that something that helps prevent the spread of infection should be subject to VAT, and that price should not be a barrier to protection.

There has been a significant increase in the number of sexually transmitted infections amongst young people (Rex)

"There have been reports that Minister Simon Harris is in favour of a 0% rate on condoms, and we hope that is something the Government will give real consideration to in next year’s budget.

"Until then, we have committed to reducing the cost of condoms across our pharmacy network to show how much of an impact such a measure can have."

CarePlus also announced that it will donate 5,000 branded condoms to college campuses around the country.

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