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

I would like to highlight, in more detail, some of the recent actions of my Department and the HSE with regard to tackling HIV infection.

The most significant development in 2019 was the introduction of a national programme of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis which involves the pre-emptive use of anti-retroviral medication to prevent HIV infection within a holistic prevention service which includes regular monitoring and testing, as well as advice and counselling on safer sex practices. Funding of €5.4 million was provided in 2020 to allow full national roll-out and to fund the additional staff and other resources required to provide the HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis programme within a broader sexual health and HIV prevention programme.

These are landmark programmes and welcome additions to our work in reducing the number of people who contract HIV in future. I reiterate our intention to reopen GMHS as soon as the Covid-19 circumstances permit.I appreciate people are anxious to get these services open as quickly as possible, as are the staff in the Department and the HSE. I thank the Senator for raising this important issue.