Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 1

Written Answers. - HIV/AIDS.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

287 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the largest percentage increase in HIV and AIDS infection between June, 1991 and June, 1992 was among heterosexuals; the steps he has taken to combat this increase in infection; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

Between 14 June, 1991 and 21 June, 1992 the number of heterosexuals with AIDS increased from 15 to 25, an increase of 66.6 per cent. The rate of increase in all AIDS cases was 36 per cent. In the period 30 June 1991 to 30 June, 1992 there was an increase in the "Heterosexual/ Unspecified" category of HIV Tests from 110 to 151, an increase of 37.3 per cent. The overall rate of increase in respect of HIV was 12.7 per cent.

The number of AIDS cases is of course a reflection of the number of HIV infected persons in the community who may have been infected for some considerable time but who did not develop full AIDS until the period in question.

Since my appointment as Minister for Health I have identified the HIV/AIDS problem as a priority area for action. I have accepted the recommendations of the National AIDS Strategy Committee and have begun a comprehensive programme to implement these as quickly as possible. This has included making available substantial resources to ensure that the most important recommendations were implemented this year.

The National AIDS Strategy Committee recognised that in the absence of a cure for the disease or a vaccine against infection, preventive measures must remain at the forefront of government policy. To this end I have ensured:

(a) the widespread distribution of the Health Promotion Unit's leaflet "AIDS — The Facts";

(b) the preparation of a series of radio advertisements centered on Irish AIDS Day. My Department are also considering the development of a mass-media campaign in time for World AIDS Day;

(c) the withdrawal of restrictions on the availability of condoms, which are widely recommended as a means of halting the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus;

(d) that General Practitioner staffed community clinics have been opened in two locations in Dublin city. These will be open to anyone concerned about HIV/AIDS and will obviously have a particular role to play in combating the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus amongst the drug abusing population.

I am satisfied that the general public, as a result of the various media campaigns which my Department has conducted, together with the widespread dissemination of information leaflets, are aware of HIV/AIDS and how it is transmitted. I am further satisfied that the other measures I have taken including the liberalisation of the law regarding the availability of condoms will help to halt the spread of infection.