Vol. 525 No. 2
426 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will review the emergency services available for refugees and asylum seekers in view of the decision by a group of general practitioners in Kerry to withdraw emergency services as a result of the lack of adequate resources. [23844/00]
At present there are in excess of 400 asylum seekers located in five towns throughout County Kerry. The majority of these asylum seekers have been assigned to individual general practitioners who are providing primary health care services. The board is experiencing difficulties in a number of locations where GPs have refused to accept additional asylum seekers on their panel.
The board has entered into detailed negotiations with these general practitioners and the Irish Medical Organisation. The board is at present finalising revised arrangements for the provision of primary care services to asylum seekers through general practitioners and it is expected that these revised procedures will enable a full primary care service to be delivered to asylum seekers.
