A large number of teenagers are having unplanned pregnancies

About 200 delegates will gather in Louth to hear about schemes in the county which have helped to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies.

Births to young mothers have been reduced by 23%. In 1998, more than 50%of conceptions per 1,000 women were to girls aged between 15 and 17.

One group featured, sees young mothers talk to teenagers about parenthood.

Julie Fota, who became a mother when she was 15 is one of those who trying to ensure fewer teenagers also become parents at an early age.

She said: "Young women who do make the mistake of falling pregnant as teenagers are getting the help to get their education and to actually make something of themselves rather than being stuck in a slum.

"But, we're also going out there and trying to prevent it from happening which I think is better than helping them out once they've gone and made the mistake."