Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Oct 2001

Vol. 543 No. 1

Written Answers. - Patient Statistics.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

199 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health and Children the incidence of each sexually transmitted disease in the State for each of the past five years for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25843/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Cases of sexually transmitted infections were reported to my Department up until the end of 1999. Since July 2000 the National Disease Surveillance Centre has taken over this function. The following table shows the number of cases of sexually transmitted infections reported since 1995:

Sexually TransmittedInfection	1996	1997	1998	1999	2000*
Ano-Genital Warts	2286	2514	2886	3049	3101
Candidiasis	1321	1521	1277	1105	939
Chancroid	1	1	0	1	15
Chlamydia Trachomatis	364	462	646	869	1032
Genital Herpes Simplex	181	211	243	275	208
Gonorrhoea	83	98	125	175	202
Granuloma Inguinale	1	1	0	1	0
Lymphogranuloma Venereum	0	5	1	2	0
Molluscum Contagiosum	34	74	84	83	102
Non-Specific Urethritis	823	1034	1083	1265	1391
Pediculosis Pubis	79	81	105	113	119
Syphilis	17	16	15	6	35
Trichomoniasis	71	94	38	47	51
Total	5261	6112	6503	6991	7195

*Provisional Figures

The above table shows an increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections since 1996.

Although HIV is not a notifiable infection, a surveillance system has been in place since 1985. Figures for reported cases of HIV for the past five years are:–

1996	1997	1998	1999	2000
106	119	136	209	342

The remit of the National AIDS Strategy Committee (NASC), which is chaired by my colleague the Minister of State, Deputy Moffatt, has been extended to include sexually transmitted infections. NASC made a number of recommendations with regard to education and prevention and the treatment of STIs and these recommendations are being implemented.

Education is an important aspect in raising awareness in the dangers of engaging in risky sexual behaviour which could result in a sexually transmitted infection. Health boards undertake information and awareness activities at regional level and amongst the issues addressed is the prevention of sexually transmitted infection. Where appropriate, the health boards work in conjunction with and fund voluntary organisations in this regard.

At national level, the health promotion unit of my Department has maintained a sexual health and "safer sex" awareness programme for a number of years. This programme involves the display of "safer sex" messages in the toilet areas of places of entertainment frequented by young people, such as pubs and youth clubs. Information literature is also produced.