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

I thank Senator Buttimer for his significant contribution to the House on this important topic. I wish to conclude by providing some detail on another important sexual health initiative which is currently in progress. The Department of Health is happy to support the HSE's home STI testing pilot project in Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare, Cork and Kerry through the Sláintecare integration fund. My colleague the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, was pleased to be able to secure funding of €3.3 million in the recent budget for the continuation of online STI testing. Integrating online STI testing services with established public STI clinics is an effective and efficient way to increase access to and capacity for STI testing services. This allows people to use online platforms and tests for STIs in the comfort of their own homes.

Senator Buttimer said that this post needs to be filled as a matter of urgency. I will bring his concerns back to the HSE to try to get it filled as quickly as possible.