Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 4

Written Answers. - Healthcare for Refugees.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

194 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to establish a comprehensive system of medical and psychological healthcare for asylum seekers and refugees which takes into account their distinct needs, together with the provision of appropriate services for victims of torture, imprisonment and warfare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1773/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The Refugee Agency, which is under the aegis of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, is initially responsible for the co-ordination of services generally for “programme refugees”, or those permitted to remain in Ireland as a result of a Government decision. My Department is represented on the board of the agency. A range of medical services is being provided, through the relevant health boards, to both “programme refugees” and asylum seekers residing in this country. All “programme refugees” and asylum seekers are eligible for the range of health services available.

The Eastern Health Board has also been providing a counselling service to the Bosnian "programme refugees" since 1992. As a result of this activity, and in discussion with organisations concerned with the welfare of asylum seekers, it was acknowledged that there was a need to develop a more specialised service for persons living in this country who may be suffering from the effects of trauma, warfare or torture. For this reason, it is proposed to establish in the Southern Health Board area, during 1997, a new service for the victims of torture who are in this country as refugees. The service will cater for the needs of this client group on a national basis. Funding to establish the service has been allocated in the current year, and the Southern Health Board is involved in ongoing discussions with my Department to agree the Protocol and detailed operational arrangements to apply to this new service.