Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 7

Written Answers. - Refugee Health Care.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

42 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Health the progress, if any, made to date in establishing within the Southern Health Board area a new service for the victims of torture who are here as refugees, further to his reply to Question No. 194 of 22 January 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8073/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): As I mentioned in my response to the Deputy on 22 January 1997, 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 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. All refugees and asylum seekers resident in this country are eligible for the full range of health services which are available and which are provided through the health boards.

A new service for the victims of torture who are in this country as refugees is being established by the Southern Health Board and will cater for the needs of this client group on a national basis.

I have provided the board with the necessary resources in the current year to establish the service and I understand from the board that a suitable premises has been identified, that the layout and adaptation of this premises has been planned and that leasehold arrangements are currently under discussion. The building is at a city centre location in Cork city adjacent to rail and bus services.

The Protocol for the management and operation of the service has been drafted by the Southern Health Board and is soon to be discussed with my Department and other relevant Departments.