Niamh Smyth
Ceist:237. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost to expand free STI testing and screening services, including self-sampling where appropriate. [25140/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 18 May 2022
Ceisteanna (237)
Freagraí scríofa
STI testing and treatments are available through the national network of STI clinics; more details of service provision, including details of how to access STI testing, are available through www.sexualwellbeing.ie.
For asymptomatic individuals, online HSE home STI/HIV testing is currently available in 22 counties. Online STI testing (involving self-sampling), was originally provided via a pilot funded in Dublin, Cork and Kerry by the Sláintecare Integration Fund in 2021. In response to high initial demand, rising STI rates and a public health declared syphilis outbreak, the service has been expanded, with full national roll-out to commence shortly, following the conclusion of a tendering process €3.3m was allocated in Budget 2022 for online STI testing and for continuation of two other Sláintecare Integration Fund projects. supporting sexual health services in Athlone Institute of Technology and north inner-city Dublin.
STI services are therefore currently undergoing expansion. This process will be subject to monitoring and evaluation, in order to assess the extent of increased capacity and any remaining unmet need. Any consideration of further service needs will await the outcomes of the monitoring and evaluation process.
With regard to projected full year costs, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy as soon as possible.