Sexually Transmitted Infections

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2013

Tuesday, 19 February 2013

Questions (698)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

698. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of recorded cases of the eleven sexually transmitted infections that are currently legally notifiable here; ano-genital warts, chancroid, chlamydia trachomatis, genital herpes simplex, gonorrhoea, granuloma inguinale, infectious hepatitis B, lymphogranuloma venereum, non-specific urethritis, syphilis and trichomoniasis from 2002 to date in 2013; and if he will provide a breakdown based on age, gender and location. [8331/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Eleven sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are currently legally notifiable in Ireland: ano-genital warts, chancroid, chlamydia trachomatis, genital herpes simplex, gonorrhoea, granuloma inguinale, infectious hepatitis B, lymphogranuloma venereum, non-specific urethritis, syphilis and trichomoniasis. Aggregate data on the number of notified STIs from Departments of Public Health in each HSE region is collated quarterly. The Departments of Public Health are notified of STIs mainly from STI clinics and some GPs.

There were 13,259 notifications of STIs in 2011, an increase of 12.2% when compared with 2010 and continuing an upward trend since 1995. Information on activity levels in STI clinics is not readily available. However I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.