Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

The national disease surveillance board has published its report, some details of which are rather frightening. Some 73% of the heterosexual population infected with HIV come from sub-Saharan Africa. In that context, should we not be screening immigrants from those locations? It is important to do this in order to determine if medication is subsequently required. It is a frightening statistic. It is incumbent on the Department of Health and Children to follow it up.

I support Senator Maurice Hayes in regard to SARS. I call on the Government to resolve the outstanding issue with public health doctors. SARS is a matter which is causing much concern worldwide. We have to have procedures in place in order to ensure it does not gain a foothold here.