6. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health his views on the progress being made to develop a national sexual health strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26756/23] 

…Deputy Hildegarde Naughton - I will give examples of really good models. I want to ensure we are funding evidence-based programmes across the country. These should be programmes and initiatives that work. I was recently down in Cork at UCC. There is a novel project there where the work of HSE CHO 4 drug and alcohol services, Cork Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force and the Southern Regional Drug & Alcohol Task Force. They are providing a night-time mobile unit like a drugs, alcohol and sexual health, DASH, unit that goes into parts of Cork and Kerry. It goes into rural areas to provide information for young people. It is a mobile unit and the first of its kind in Ireland. It provides rapid HIV testing, condom provision and drug and alcohol assessments. It is an informal way of providing information to young people out and about. Third-level institutions will play a fundamental role in rolling out sexual health campaigns. This is going to be a key area of focus for me. Education, training and development are part of the strategy. I am open to working with the Deputy if he has any suggestions in that area.