Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Feb 2002

Vol. 549 No. 1

Written Answers. - Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Richard Bruton

Question:

73 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children his response to the Eastern Regional Health Authority on a report showing a worrying rise in sexually transmitted infections and recommending improved accessibility to STI clinics. [5844/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I am aware of the increasing number of reported cases of sexually transmitted infections, STIs, in recent years. The national health promotion strategy 2000 to 2005 made a commitment to promoting sexual health and to support education programmes in the areas of human sexuality, relationships, reproductive health and contraception. My Department continues to endorse the social, personal and health education, SPHE, programmes in schools.

Other effective approaches to raising awareness about positive sexual health undertaken by my Department include the "Convenience Advertising" campaign. This campaign disseminates messages in a range of public places such as third level colleges, health centres and leisure and entertainment facilities. By targeting venues which have a particular customer profile, a message can be directed to a tightly defined audience and is particularly valuable in reaching groups which may be normally hard to access.

The ERHA report is a welcome one and makes recommendations for the future delivery of STI services in the eastern region. Additional funding has been provided each year to the ERHA to develop STI and HIV-AIDS services. There are currently five consultants specialising in STIs working in the Dublin area. One of these consultants was appointed in the last few months.

Health boards have developed a range of interventions to target specific at risk groups, such as the gay community and prostitutes, aimed at lowering the incidence of HIV and STIs in these groups. My Department will continue to work with the ERHA to develop STI services recommended in this report and the report of the National AIDS Strategy Committee which was published by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Moffatt, in June 2000.