Press Release: Wednesday 25 June 2025
Ministers for Health publish the National Sexual Health Strategy, 2025-2035.
The Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, T.D. and Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, T.D. have today published the National Sexual Health Strategy, 2025-2035, following Government approval.
The strategy contains a number of commitments designed to support positive sexual health for everyone in Ireland, across all stages of life.
Priorities include:
- Expanding capacity and further developing testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the home STI testing service.
- Increasing access to contraception by expanding the Free Contraception Service and the Free National Condom Distribution Service.
- Building capacity to meet demand for HIV prevention and treatment including Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and additional supports for people living with HIV.
- Developing a Model of Care for sexual health services, focusing on prevention; diagnosis, treatment, information and surveillance for STIs and HIV, and on improving geographic equity.
- Improving access to vaccines that support sexual health, such as the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine, Hepatitis A and B vaccines.
- Supporting the work of the Justice sector and Cuan in domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV) prevention.
The first of three action plans to enable delivery of the strategy has also been published today. Two further action plans will be published in 2028 and 2031.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
“This comprehensive Strategy reflects the evolving opportunities and challenges we face and outlines the steps we must take to ensure a healthier future for everyone, no matter their age, gender, orientation, ethnicity, or background. Over the past decade, we have made significant progress since the first national sexual health strategy was published, recognising that positive sexual health is a vital part of overall health and wellbeing.
“Our focus now is on continuing to develop and expand services that meet the needs of our population at every stage of life. Our new action plan will guide our next steps, including measures to support those living with HIV and prevent its spread, as well as expanding access to PrEP and free contraception, in line with our Programme for Government commitments. We are dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life and I look forward to working with Minister Murnane O’Connor, our Chief Medical Officer, Professor Mary Horgan, and all stakeholders to deliver on these commitments.”
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“Today marks a significant step forward in our efforts to protect and promote sexual health and wellbeing for everyone living in Ireland. This Strategy reflects a modern, inclusive and evidence-based approach, one that empowers people with the information, access and support they need to make informed choices and avoid unnecessary risks, while supporting healthy relationships. By working collaboratively across sectors, we will continue to break down stigma and build a healthier, more open and more informed society for all.”
Interim Chief Medical Officer Professor Mary Horgan said:
“Sexual health is a key part of overall health and wellbeing, but also of wider public health and of infection control. We have included a significant number of measures that will support and enhance capacity for testing, diagnosis, early intervention and treatment for HIV and STIs, minimising the harm that can arise from untreated HIV and STIs.
“We will also play our part in supporting the vital work of the Justice sector and Cuan in preventing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence, and in working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and our international partners, the EU, UN and WHO, to support our international commitments relating to sexual and reproductive health and rights.”
The full National Sexual Health Strategy 2025–2030 is now available at https://gov.ie/en/healthy-ireland/policy-information/national-sexual-health-strategy-2025-2035/