Fintan Warfield (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

World Aids Day, which will take place on Saturday, presents an opportunity for the global community to evaluate or fight to eradicate HIV and AIDS. This time last year, when we had statements to mark the occasion, this House was in unison in stating that rising HIV transmission rates are unacceptable and our current responses inadequate. While accessible antiretroviral therapy in the form of PrEP looks like it is on its way, we are lagging behind many of our European counterparts, and very little has changed since the end of last year. While testing was noted as a key priority in the sexual health strategy in 2015, no real further investment in testing has been forthcoming. A high rate of late diagnosis is the result. The Gay Men’s Health Service on Baggot Street, which provides a targeted response, is still operating in a condemned building and with limited resources. Too often the State takes advantage of those who are willing to go above and beyond their duty, in this case, the staff of the service.

Relationships and sexuality education is still under review. We need more urgency in implementing change. I was in a secondary school this week and noted it does not appear anything has changed in relationships and sexuality education since I was in school nine years ago. We must not continue to fail more generations in that regard.

The HIV transmission rate is up 8.7% on last year. Next year, I want to stand in this House and recognise the work of the Government in decreasing transmission rates. I call on the Government to engage with activists who are campaigning for an Irish AIDS memorial, that is, a physical site of remembrance to serve as a place to grieve, remember loss and give hope.