Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Mar 1990

Vol. 396 No. 5

Written Answers. - HIV Infection.

Michael D. Higgins

Ceist:

33 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Health whether he has investigated the effectiveness of a drug (details supplied) in slowing down the progression of HIV infection; if this drug is available in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I am aware of encouraging reports of the effectiveness of this drug in slowing down the progression of HIV infection coming mainly from the United States.

The drug is available in Ireland for the treatment of HIV infected persons. Ireland is at present participating in European clinical trials the objective of which is the evaluation of the further use of this drug in early HIV infection.

My Department are monitoring closely the progress of these trials at both national and international levels and I await their outcome with particular interest.