Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
1253. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the current status of the national HIV Action Plan; when her Department expects to publish or update the next phase of this plan; the specific measures being taken to improve access to testing, treatment and prevention services, including PrEP, particularly for high-risk and underserved populations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30671/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra1254. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health her views on whether current sexual health services are sufficient to meet the needs of those at risk of HIV transmission; if she will outline plans to expand HIV prevention, testing and treatment services in light of recent new diagnoses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30672/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1253 and 1254 together.
Sexual health is a priority for the Department of Health. The National Sexual Health Strategy, 2025-2035 (NSHS) and National Sexual Health Action Plan, 2025-2038 (NSHAP), commit to developing Models of Care for sexual health and for HIV, to develop an HIV Action Plan and to expand community options for the delivery of PrEP, including widening access through primary care and exploring digital options.
The NSHS and NSHAP (included in one document) can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/healthy-ireland/policy-information/national-sexual-health-strategy-2025-2035/.
Governance arrangements for the Strategy are laid out in its final chapter; the Implementation Group and various sub-groups and working groups have commenced work. Significant progress has been made in implementing some of its Actions already.
Work on the HIV Action Plan has commenced, following a stakeholder consultation exercise. Further consideration for delivering improved access to HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and other supports for people living with HIV will be included in the forthcoming Models of Care for sexual health and for HIV and within the forthcoming HIV Action Plan. It is currently envisaged that the HIV Action Plan and Model of Care for Sexual Health will be published in late 2026 to early 2027.
In terms of detailed information on:
• recent new diagnoses;
• access to testing, treatment and prevention services, including PrEP;
• access by high-risk and underserved populations and;
• whether current service provision is adequate to meet need,
as these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to provide additional information to the Deputy as soon as possible.
