Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - Sexually Transmitted Diseases.

Liam Lawlor

Question:

200 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will take the initiative at departmental level to tackle the problem and produce more detailed research for the purposes of the better targeting of at risk groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15532/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

My colleague, Deputy Moffatt, chairs the National AIDS Strategy Committee and is responsible for policy in this area. AIDS Strategy 2000 was published in June of last year and makes recommendations for dealing with HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections over the coming years. Deputy Moffatt and my Department, through the three sub-committees on education and prevention, surveillance and care, and management will work to implement these recommendations. One of these recommendations is that research be carried out on the knowledge, attitudes and skills of young people in relation to sexual health and diseases. The Education and Prevention Sub-Committee will examine this.

Since 1992 additional funding has been provided each year to health boards to address the problems of drug misuse and HIV and AIDS. HIV is strongly linked to intravenous drug misuse. To respond to this health board services include methadone treatment and needle exchange in the range of services for drug misusers. These services have seen significant expansion in recent years, particularly in the health boards in the east where the majority of drug users reside. Health boards have developed a range of interventions among the gay community aimed at lowering the incidence in homosexuals of HIV, including supporting a gay HIV prevention strategies project. With increasing numbers of people presenting with a range of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, a priority for 2001 is the appointment of two new infectious diseases consultants in the Dublin area and one in the Western Health Board.

My Department also continues to produce a range of materials and literature and to run awareness campaigns to inform the public, especially young people, about the dangers of HIV and AIDS. Specific messages have been placed in third level colleges and some night clubs and pool halls. My Department is also a partner with the Department of Education and Science in the implementation of social, personal and health education at post primary school level and the relationship and sexuality education programme is an integral component of that.