Vol. 553 No. 6
221 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children the position with regard to testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections at the infectious disease clinic at the Mater Hospital; if facilities to deal with clients at the STI clinic at GUIDE Clinic, St. James' Hospital, Dublin have been increased to take account of the new arrangements at the Mater; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14893/02]
The day-to-day provision of treatment services for sexually transmitted infections in the Mater Hospital and St. James' Hospital is a matter for the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has asked the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to consider the matters raised by the Deputy and reply directly to him.
222 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the rise in the levels of sexually transmitted infections; the facilities currently in place throughout the country to test and treat STIs; if plans are in place to increase STI testing and treatment facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14894/02]
The latest figures available for cases of sexually transmitted infections are those for 2000. In that year 8,869 cases were notified to the National Disease Surveillance Centre, an increase of 27% over 1999. Clearly this rate of increase is a source of concern.
Since 1992 additional funding has been provided each year to health boards to address the problems of HIV-AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This has resulted in a substantial increase in the facilities in place. There are currently six consultants specialising in the treatment of HIV-AIDS and STIs in Ireland – five of these are in Dublin, one of whom deals with children, and one in Cork. With increasing numbers of people presenting with a range of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, I have provided funding this year in respect of the appointment of a new infectious diseases consultant in the Western Health Board.
STI clinics are available in the following locations: St. James's Hospital, the Mater Hospital, Baggot Street Clinic, the Aisling Clinic, Cherry Orchard Hospital, City Clinic, Amiens Street, Ennis General Hospital, the Victoria Hospital in Cork, Limerick Regional Hospital, University College Hospital, Galway, Sligo Regional Hospital, Nenagh Regional Hospital, and Waterford Regional Hospital. Facilities are also being developed at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
The care and management sub-committee of the national AIDS strategy committee is currently reviewing services that are available throughout the country with a view to identifying gaps and making recommendations for the future direction of treatment services.
The promotion of sexual health and safer sexual practices amongst the population is crucial to tackling the increase in STIs, and has been identified as a strategic objective within the national health promotion strategy.
