Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Mar 2003

Vol. 562 No. 6

Written Answers - Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

11 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to comments made by a person (details supplied) that a dramatic increase in the numbers of people presenting with sexually transmitted infections has plunged the service into crisis; the additional resources being provided for this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6639/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The most recent statistics on sexually transmitted infections in Ireland are those published by the National Disease Surveillance Centre for the first two quarters of 2001. These show that a total of 4,817 cases of STIs were notified in Ireland in the first six months of 2001. This compares with a total of 4,368 notifications in the first six months of 2000 and represents an increase of 10% in STI notifications.

With regard to HIV-AIDS the most recent available statistics published by the NDSC refers to the period from January to June 2002. These indicate that a total of 157 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in Ireland in the first six months of 2002.

Clearly these increases are a cause of concern. While some of the increase in STIs may be due to an increased public and professional awareness, improved acceptability of STI clinics and the availability of more sophisticated diagnostic techniques, and the increases in HIV partly reflect migration patterns, these figures undoubtedly also suggest an increase in unsafe sexual practices.

The national AIDS strategy committee is charged with overseeing the recommendations made in AIDS Strategy 2000 which relate to dealing with HIV-AIDS and other STIs within the overall context of sexual health.

The care and management sub-committee of NASC is currently visiting the hospitals and health boards involved in the provision of services to people with HIV-AIDS and STIs. The purpose of these visits is to see at first hand the facilities available and to identify gaps in service provision. The sub-committee is expected to report to NASC on its findings later this year.

Education is an important aspect in raising awareness of 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.

In addition the health promotion unit of my Department is involved in and supports a range of initiatives aimed at preventing and raising awareness of HIV-AIDS and other STIs. These initiatives include a national public awareness advertising campaign to promote sexual health which is aimed at men and women in the 18 to 35 age group. In addition the health promotion unit produces a range of awareness raising leaflets on STIs and safe sex practices. These are available through health promotion departments in each health board area.

More than €4 million additional funding has been provided to health boards since 1997 to address the problems of HIV-AIDS and other STIs. This has resulted in a substantial increase in the facilities in place. At present there are six consultants specialising in the treatment of HIV-AIDS and STIs – five of these are in Dublin, one of whom deals with children, and one in Cork. Funding has also been provided to the Western Health Board for the appointment of a new infectious diseases consultant. My Department will continue to closely monitor the position in relation to the treatment facilities in place, especially in view of the increased demand for these services.