The kits will be available to order online from sexualwellbeing.ie.
From today, those aged 17 and over will be able to access free home STI tests.
People will be able to apply for the tests online, with them being sent in the post free of charge.
The HSE's Clinical Lead for Sexual Health says the kits will help tackle 'stigma and embarrassment.'
Last year, the health service piloted sending the tests for free to people’s homes in a number of counties.
They found there was a significant uptake in the number of people getting checked.
From today, everyone in Ireland aged 17 and older will have access to free home testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). To find out more, or to order your free home STI test kit visit: https://t.co/1GyOfwSMyr #STIHomeTesting #respectprotect pic.twitter.com/WGyhD0vmee
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) October 4, 2022
Dr Fiona Lyons of the HSE expects a similar increase in testing nationwide:
"This is all about handing people the responsibility and empowering people," she said.
"This is all about giving them the responsibility and empowering them to look after their own sexual health."
57% of the people who engaged with the pilot service had never engaged with the sexual health service.
Anyone looking to order a test kit can do so from sexualwellbeing.ie and will receive their results either by phone call or text.
