Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis, PrEP, in Cork. It is important that Cork, in conjunction with other cities and large towns, have access to PrEP and its availability be widespread. The availability of PrEP is just one part of a sexual health programme, along with the excellent work done by the Sexual Health Centre in Cork to provide rapid HIV testing.The Government has announced a national programme around HIV PrEP. Roll out of the programme in Cork is sadly awaited. Cork is a designated centre for this programme in the south. This means that people will travel to Cork to avail of the service but we have been waiting for it for the past month. Funding is available which means the provision of PrEP under the sexual health and crisis pregnancy programme should be expedited as a matter of urgency. It is already available in Dublin and Limerick. If it is administered and available outside Dublin, then it is important it is made available in Cork.

The Minister of State will be aware Cork University Hospital recently opened the Galtee suite providing a new space for HIV care in Cork. This significant positive development is to be welcomed. It is the first time a designated space will be available in Cork University Hospital for HIV treatment. Arising from that, it is about putting in place pathways and access to care for people. I commend all those involved in working on sexual health and HIV in Cork University Hospital.

This is an important matter, particularly at a time when HIV figures are increasing and the Department of Health has invested significantly in this area. It is about assisting the work done by the Cork Gay Project and the Cork Sexual Health Centre. I commend all those in the Cork Sexual Health Centre, under the directorship of Martin Davoren, for their work. For example, the rapid HIV testing saw 1,000 people in Cork tested. It is not just about going in and out to get tested. It is about a discussion around the whole issue of sexual activity and ensuring there is a referral pathway. This programme is important. I look forward to the response of the Minister of State and access to PrEP being rolled out promptly.