Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Seán Power

Question:

369 Mr. S. Power asked the Minister for Health and Children if the latest figures indicate an increase in the number of people being treated in Irish hospitals for sexual related diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18273/03]

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 statistics 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 National Disease Surveillance Centre indicate that a total of 157 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in Ireland in the first six months of 2002.

It is clear that the increases are a cause of concern and are undoubtedly reflected in additional demands on treatment services at primary and secondary level. While some of the increase in STIs may be due to increased public and professional awareness, improved acceptability of STI clinics, the availability of more sophisticated diagnostic techniques and migration patterns in the case of the increases in HIV, the figures undoubtedly suggest an increase in unsafe sexual practices.

The national AIDS strategy committee is charged with overseeing recommendations made in the 2000 AIDS strategy, which relate to dealing with HIV-AIDS and other STIs in the context of overall sexual health. The care and management sub-committee of the NASC is finalising visits to the hospitals and health boards involved in the provision of services to people with HIV-AIDS and STIs. The purpose of the 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 in the coming months.

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 among the issues addressed is the prevention of sexually transmitted infection. Where appropriate, health boards work in conjunction with and fund voluntary organisations in this regard. 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. 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.

Additional funding of over €4 million 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, six consultants are specialising in the treatment of HIV-AIDS and STIs – five of whom 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 monitor closely the position in relation to the treatment facilities in place, especially in view of the increased demand for these services.