Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the delegates for their detailed presentations which included information on the services people could contact if they wished to talk about their condition. This is not an issue that is raised with us daily in our constituency offices. As such, the information provided in the presentations is welcome. A lack of awareness and education has been highlighted as the main cause of stigma. A lack of education causes fear which, in turn, causes stigma. In times past there was a fear of other diseases. The fear and stigma now attached to HIV are due to a lack of awareness and education.

I thank the delegates for the information on the rapid test and the availability of home testing kits. I know that if I needed to take a test, I would be afraid to go to my GP. The availability of the rapid test or a home testing kit is important.

On at whom campaigns should be targeted, as young people believe nothing will ever happen to them, it is important any campaign conducted is aimed at them first.

I again thank the delegates for their presentations.