David Cullinane
Question:1121. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will consider opening additional sexual health centres nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17299/21]
View answerWednesday, 31 March 2021
Questions (1121)
Written answers
Decisions concerning the provision of sexual health services are made in line with the objectives and strategic vision of the National Sexual Health Strategy 2015 - 2020 (NSHS), which aims to improve sexual health and wellbeing and reduce negative sexual health outcomes by ensuring that everyone living in Ireland has access to high quality sexual health information, education and services throughout their lives.
Subsequent to publication of the NSHS in 2015, very significant progress has been made in implementing the objectives of the Strategy. Key achievements to date include:
- The rollout of a national treatment programme of Pre – Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEp)
- Ireland’s membership of the Fast Track Cities HIV global partnership project which is driving the response to HIV/AIDS across 300 cities
- Establishment of the National Condom Distribution Service which distributes free condoms and lubricant sachets to a range of vulnerable groups
- A wide range of educational and promotional work with the education system, parents, children and young people to ensure that they receive the information and resources they need to support their relationship and sexual needs
- An ongoing programme of research to provide the evidence base needed to ensure robust policy development
- Responding to the challenges posed by the Covid 19 pandemic in the maintenance of vital HIV/STI services. All health services, including STI/HIV services are continuing to face service restrictions due to the current impact of Covid-19 on the hospital system and social distancing requirements. Public STI clinics are prioritising those with symptoms or requiring treatment, and this includes anyone who may be referred for confirmation HIV testing.
The current Strategy was intended to cover the period from 2015 – 2020, but has now been extended to 2021. It is the intention of my Department to conduct stakeholder consultations and a review of the NSHS this year. The outcome of the consultations and the review will determine the future direction of the Strategy.
It should be noted that the HSE is currently piloting a free home STI/HIV testing service, supported by the Sláintecare Integration Fund, in Dublin, Cork and Kerry. The first phase of tests were made available early January. As a result of very high initial demand for the service, tests will now be made available in a phased manner to ensure there is sufficient capacity in local clinics for service users who may need follow-up treatment or support.
Learnings from this pilot will inform the future direction of online testing, which may prove to be a very valuable intervention in terms of meeting demand for STI services, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, given the ongoing need to comply with necessary pandemic restrictions, including social distancing
Decisions in relation to the manner and location of future sexual health services will be made in the context of the above factors.