The number of cases of HIV among gay men in Ireland is on the rise.

A new survey said that 40% of gay men have never been tested for HIV or other STIs.

It also shows that 21% of those who tested positive for STIs over the past year were new cases; 8% reported that they were HIV positive.

The HSE said there were 244 diagnoses of HIV among gay men last year, compared with 184 in 2014, which is an increase of one third. There were 218 diagnoses of infectious syphilis among gay men, an increase of 56% on the previous year.

Most than 3,000 MSM participated in the Men who have Sex with Men Internet Survey. It was launched today by the HSE and the Gay Health Network at an annual Gay Health Forum in Dublin Castle.

Nine out of 10 men had sex with another man in the previous year and 14% had sex with a woman.

Minister of State for Health Promotion Marcella Corcoran-Kennedy said the figures showed a worrying trend.

“We want to ensure people are informed about the risks that are out there, and about what they can do to take responsibility ofr their own sexual health,” she said.