Brook, which dispenses free contraception to children as young as 12 and 13 from its premises in Nelson Street, says that the Health Minister’s idea would not be appropriate.
Executive director Bronia Lever says that although Brook is in support of widely available access to contraception, schools’ toilets are not the right place.
At Brook, condoms are supplied following discussion with a nurse and counsellor.
‘Young people need to be educated about using condoms, and this should include a demonstration of how to use them correctly and things to look out for like a kitemark and expiry date.
They also need to know how to access emergency contraception should one fail,’ she said.
‘Condom machines will only supply a standard-sized condom, assuming that one size fits all when in practice this is not the case.
We would also be concerned that younger pupils will be exposed to something that they have not necessarily even discussed in the curriculum or with their parents,’ said Mrs Lever.
