Labour TD Demands Action to Improve PrEP Access in Ireland

Labour TD Conor Sheehan has urged the Irish government to enhance access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) following reports of extensive waiting times for appointments. As of September 2025, there were 809 individuals on PrEP waiting lists across the country, a situation that Sheehan described as “deeply distressing.”

PrEP, available in Ireland since 2019, is a medication that can reduce the risk of contracting HIV through sexual activity by approximately 99% when taken as prescribed. Despite its effectiveness, many clinics have struggled to manage the demand for this vital health service. According to reports from The Journal, one of the two Health Service Executive (HSE) PrEP clinics in Dublin and the North East had a waiting list of up to nine months, while another faced a four-month delay. In the Dublin and Midlands area, patients at a separate HSE clinic reported waiting as long as a year for an appointment.

While some clinics have made efforts to improve access—such as one Dublin and South East clinic releasing appointments online weekly—others have not kept pace with demand. Sheehan labeled the situation “unacceptable,” particularly for clinics that are completely closed to new patients. He has called upon Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to implement immediate changes to alleviate these waiting times.

The importance of PrEP access is underscored by statements from HIV Ireland, which has advocated for the expansion of HIV testing and increased availability of PrEP. Earlier this year, the organization emphasized that improving access is crucial for achieving the government’s goal of eliminating HIV transmissions by 2030. This came in response to the publication of the National Sexual Health Strategy 2025 – 2035, which outlines commitments to enhance HIV prevention initiatives at both community and clinical levels, improve care pathways for those living with HIV, and combat stigma associated with the virus.

According to Steve Lynam, Chair of HIV Ireland, achieving the strategy’s objectives necessitates “significantly increasing capacity and resources of providers to ensure anyone who needs access to PrEP can get it without delay.” The ongoing challenges with access to PrEP highlight a broader conversation around health equity and the necessary resources to support vulnerable populations.

As the public health landscape evolves, the need for timely access to preventive measures like PrEP remains critical. The call to action from Sheehan and organizations such as HIV Ireland serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing healthcare access in a proactive and efficient manner.