Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Some 23 public STI services nationally provide free STI and HIV testing. HIV testing is also available as part of the national antenatal screening programme, with almost 100% uptake. The HSE sexual health and crisis pregnancy programme funds and collaborates with community partners to expand HIV testing among higher risk population groups such as gay men and migrants in order to identify those living with undiagnosed HIV. The two most important partners are HIV Ireland and the Gay Health Network. I was delighted to meet HIV Ireland yesterday at the launch of another facility in the Mater hospital in Dublin.

HIV Ireland is funded to support a programme called mPower which provides testing and outreach support to gay and bisexual men online and in a face-to-face capacity. Funding is also provided to the Gay Health Network to manage the man2man.iewebsite, communications messaging and campaigns to ensure that gay men have access to the appropriate information on sexual health and available services. Further information and links are also available through sexualwellbeing.ie.

I note the importance of World AIDS Day in raising awareness of this illness which is a key element in keeping infection rates as low as possible. We will continue to work as closely as possible with all of our key partners and stakeholders in this important area in order to make the best use of resources and continue to fight against HIV and, as Senator Buttimer said, stigma.