Ms Susan Donlon:

Deputy Kelleher mentioned the fear-based programmes in the 1980s and 1990s. Much research has taken place since then to show such campaigns do not work.

It is important to point out that during the development of the Gay Health Network campaign the key messages were developed by a younger peer group of men who have sex with men and facilitated by BeLonGTo youth services. It is also important that people living with HIV be included in developmental programmes. We recommended that this be done in the national sexual health strategy.

Regarding access to tests, there are many free STI testing public clinics across Ireland, but it is necessary to provide access in isolated and rural areas. Information is key, as people may not know the risks. As Mr. Goulding mentioned, stigma is a major barrier, while people fear HIV test results. This needs to be combated.

It is correct to say the younger generation had not been exposed to information on HIV until we launched the Man2Man campaign in December 2011, the first national campaign in many years. A sustained HIV prevention message for younger men is required.

On funding for national campaigns, I can speak on behalf of the GHN which has received funding to run a consistent message and build on the successes of the Man2Man programme throughout 2014. That funding has come from the health promotion and social inclusion units of HSE North East.

Deputy Catherine Byrne referred to young people not wanting to speak to teachers about their sexual health. It can be difficult. From research, we know that sometimes teachers also find it embarrassing. There are many ways to break down these barriers, one of which is through training. It is important that people are trained to deal with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, LGBT, issues. Mr. Brady raised this point in the context of training for general practitioners.

The issue of sustainability is important. BeLonGTo youth services have developed a national support network for young LGBT people across a range of counties. One can supply funding for one year, but if one does not know what is happening next year, it becomes an issue. As young people grow up and are replaced by others, long-term sustainability, as opposed to a year-to-year budget, becomes a requirement.

Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked about our partnership with the HSE. It is good. As Dr. O'Keeffe pointed out, partnerships require a great deal of work. It is definitely a work in progress. It is not new to the GHN to partner the HSE. Gay Men's Health Services of the HSE has been a successful partner for many years. We are learning from each other and hope our partnership can continue.

Deputy Sandra McLellan asked whether the economic crisis had contributed to HIV and STI transmission rates. From our work in Dublin AIDS Alliance, it is anecdotally a contributory factor. We have a programme through which we supply free condoms. More than 300 people attend every week looking for free condoms because they cannot afford to buy them. It is important to point out that migrant communities are an at-risk population group for HIV. Those seeking asylum only receive €19 per week. That is a major issue, as they have no money for condoms.

The Deputy also asked about the increase in the number of calls to the Gay Switchboard Dublin helpline. Gay Switchboard Dublin is a partner of the GHN. The switchboard is run voluntarily and the service will be 40 years old in 2014. It has 36 volunteers and receives no statutory funding. It would welcome such funding in order that it might increase its services to meet rising demands.