Peadar Toibin criticises Health Minister's push to make contraceptives free for 16-year-old girls as 'virtue signalling'

"Mr Donnelly has also pointed to the age of medical independence being 16 - meaning that, from that age, children can go by themselves to a GP and do not need parental or guardian consent."

"Aontú party leader Peadar Tóibín called the proposal an 'incredible development' and criticized the Minister for 'virtue signalling' instead of addressing issues like overcrowding in emergency departments and horrendous waiting lists."

"He said society has started to take consent 'seriously' and criticized the government for providing contraceptives to those under 17 while stating they aren't legally able to consent to sexual acts."

"Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik said she welcomes the proposal to introduce free contraception for 16-year-old girls, highlighting its potential benefits for young women's health."

Read at Irish Independent