Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

In recent years, a number of the relevant groups and bodies have raised this issue directly with me. They pointed out to me the areas of discrimination and their difficulties in receiving treatment. In the main such treatment is provided through the hospital network. It is the policy of the Department of Health and Children and, by extension, of the HSE, that arrangements should be made for their treatment, that the individuals who deal with them should have more sensitivity training, and if necessary, that the patients can be assisted by receiving counselling. The groups made the point that while they are obliged to receive the treatment, it could be perceived that they are discriminated against, or made to feel that this is a terrible disaster which isolates them. The groups do not complain of the treatment but about the perception. In this regard, I am told by the Department that the hospitals do not consider this to be a difficult area.

While a resource issue exists, it is not a major financial issue. People are quite happy with it. The proposed improvements might require differing clinic times or facilities. Moreover, one should avoid locating an AIDS clinic in the middle of an outpatient clinic, where people are made to feel they are sitting there in isolation. This issue simply requires some sensitivity towards individuals, who badly need treatment, as many are in poor health.

The groups made a good case and the agencies here have been receptive to it. This is achievable without too much difficulty.

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