Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2397. To ask the Minister for Health the breakdown of funding provided to regional sexual healthcare centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20695/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Mairead Farrell (Galway West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

2398. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated amount it would cost to provide a sexual healthcare service in all higher education institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20696/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme established the National Condom Distribution Service (NCDS) in October 2015.

The NCDS functions as a central point for distributing free condoms and lubricant sachets to HSE services and other organisations working directly with individuals and groups who may be at increased risk of negative sexual health outcomes, including young people.

Since 2017, the number of organisations ordering from the NCDS has doubled. A major new development was initiated in 2019 with the expansion of the service to 3rd level institutions, with the SCHPP working with institutions to agree the location of condom dispensers in each campus.

Activities in 2019 were included in the 2019 NCDS Report and include the following:

- 105 organisations ordered over 730,400 condoms. These included 43 third level institutions and organisations.

- 90 organisations ordered over 444,400 lubricant sachets. These included 39 third level institutions and organisations.

Supported by the Sláintecare Integration Fund, Athlone Institute of Technology is delivering a comprehensive student sexual health service to meet the needs of its growing student population.

The project is supported by a full-time Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Sexual Health, who provides a complete cycle of care to students including assessment, testing, treatment and appropriate follow up. A specialist GP provides clinical governance and support. In addition to clinical services, health promoting educational campaigns are provided to the campus community supporting positive sexual health and enhancing awareness of STIs and the availability of services.

To date, AIT advises that the project has been very successful. The need for access to sexual health information, supports and services for young people has been demonstrated with 82% of people using this service in the 18-24 age group.

The shift from traditional heath care settings to an on-campus service also showed a marked increase in young people attending for consultations. Previously students had to travel around an hour to specialised clinics and 90% of those referred previously did not attend.

The value for money element of the project is evident given the high numbers supported by the project. Lessons learnt in the delivery and implementation of the project demonstrate how the service could reach even higher numbers by rolling out the service nationally.

I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible with regard to the detailed information requested.