Vol. 535 No. 1
308 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the health implications, especially in relation to sexually transmitted diseases, of anonymous dark rooms which, according to a newspaper report (details supplied), are experiencing a boom in Dublin; and if he will take steps to ensure that health considerations are addressed. [11656/01]
I have no details, other than a newspaper report, on these so-called dark rooms. My Department and the health boards continue to create a greater awareness of the dangers of unsafe sexual practices and the risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV-AIDS.
I am aware that there has been an increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections, particularly syphilis among homosexual and bisexual men in Dublin in recent months. An outbreak control team has been established, comprising representatives of the public health department of the ERHA, the sexually transmitted infection service in St. James's Hospital and the National Disease Surveillance Centre.
The area health boards of the Eastern Regional Health Authority fund the gay men's health project and the gay HIV strategies group and will continue to target the gay community to promote safer sex messages and to encourage those who may be infected to contact the treatment services.
