200 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will take the initiative at departmental level to tackle the problem and produce more detailed research for the purposes of the better targeting of at risk groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15532/01]

My colleague, Deputy Moffatt, chairs the National AIDS Strategy Committee and is responsible for policy in this area. AIDS Strategy 2000 was published in June of last year and makes recommendations for dealing with HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections over the coming years. Deputy Moffatt and my Department, through the three sub-committees on education and prevention, surveillance and care, and management will work to implement these recommendations. One of these recommendations is that research be carried out on the knowledge, attitudes and skills of young people in relation to sexual health and diseases. The Education and Prevention Sub-Committee will examine this.