344 new cases of HIV were diagnosed in Ireland last year.

That is according to new figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) which are up slightly on 2012 statistics at 340.

Heterosexual sex accounted for 38% of new cases but over half of the heterosexual cases (57%) were among individuals originating from countries where HIV is endemic.

Men having sex with men had the highest proportion at 46%, but this was down slightly from 49% in 2012.

50% of people who were diagnosed HIV positive in 2013 were reported as 'late presenters', having lived with HIV for a considerable time before they were diagnosed.

Dr. Erin Nugent of the Dublin AIDS Alliance says this can present complications.