Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Nov 1991

Vol. 413 No. 2

Written Answers. - AIDS and HIV Testing.

Bernard Allen

Question:

103 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if any decision has been reached to introduce AIDS and HIV testing in the casualty department of major hospitals outside Dublin in view of the fact that her Department are trying to introduce testing in the casualty department of a major Dublin hospital.

Minister for Health (Mrs. O'Rourke)

A voluntary anonymous unlinked testing programme has been introduced in a maternity hospital to provide an improved surveillance mechanism for HIV in the community. The extension of this programme to other areas is being considered, but a decision on the hospitals which might be involved in this extension has not been taken.