Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 1 December 2015

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children

HIV Incidence in Ireland: Discussion

4:00 pm

Photo of Séamus HealySéamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome our visitors and thank them for their presentations, which were very informative. All three have referred to the worrying increase in numbers in 2015. First, there was an overall increase and, within that, an increase in the number of young people affected. Against that background, perhaps each organisation could let us know what resources and funding they have to deal with the issue. What work are they doing in this area? They might elaborate on the questions of awareness and education also.

All three delegates referred to stigmatisation and the consequences of disclosure. Perhaps one of them will expand on these consequences. This matter can be particularly difficult. How can we address it? What practical steps can we take in this regard?

Some 30% of people with HIV do not know they have it. Obviously, that is a considerable problem. A related point, on which I may be previous, concerns the pilot programme Mr. Brady spoke about. I take it he has not yet considered how and when it might be rolled out nationally. Is it a possibility, or will the programme operate in but a small number of areas? I believe it should be rolled out nationally and as soon as possible. Could Mr. Brady expand on that, please?