Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2026
880. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if the issue of HIV prevention will be on her agenda for the EU presidency, particularly on work towards ending transmission across Europe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32131/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSexual 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: https://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 Actions already.
Within sexual health, HIV testing, early diagnosis, treatment and supports for people living with HIV, as well as the prevention of stigma, are priorities. Work on the HIV Action Plan has commenced, following a stakeholder consultation exercise. It is currently envisaged that the HIV Action Plan and Model of Care for Sexual Health will be published at some point between late 2026 and mid 2027.
With respect to Ireland's forthcoming EU presidency and HIV prevention, diagnosis and care, my Department have been liaising with the Department of Foreign Affairs and we understand that the formal launch of Ireland’s EU Presidency priorities and meetings programme is scheduled in mid-June 2026.
