Vol. 565 No. 3
304 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children if the Government is supporting research and development in Ireland or the EU in the field of microbicides, which could be a revolutionary development in the fight against HIV/AIDS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10770/03]
I understand that research and development of microbicides is at an early stage. I have been advised that Ireland Aid approved a three year grant to the International Partnership for Microbicides as part of its commitment to investing in research which is relevant to preventing the spread of HIV-AIDS in developing countries. The grant covers the period 2002-04 and is broken down as follows: 2002 –€1 million; 2003 –€2.5 million; 2004 –€2.5 million.
