Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004
32 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he is satisfied with the co-ordination of the asylum seekers’ health screening programme; his views on whether it is being carried out in an effective manner and patients receive follow-up treatment. [18411/04]
View answerOperational responsibility for health screening for asylum seekers lies with the health boards that have appropriate regional and local management structures to deliver the programme. In 2004 more than €3 million was allocated to health boards to fund the health screening. The funding is provided on an ongoing basis.
Routine infectious diseases services are provided in all health board areas. In addition, an infectious disease screening service is provided for new asylum seekers. Shortly after their arrival a voluntary, confidential and free screening is offered to them. Its purpose is to detect and treat certain infectious diseases. This is done in the interests of the asylum seekers, their families and the community in general.
Usually the initial screening takes place at reception centres in Dublin where asylum seekers may reside for five days or more. It continues when they are relocated to other health board regions. Those who do not receive screening in Dublin are offered the service following relocation to other regions. When asylum seekers are accommodated outside of the Eastern Regional Health Authority area the relevant health board is advised on whether screening took place so that appropriate steps can be taken to offer the service where necessary.
The approach adopted for communicable disease screening for asylum seekers is reviewed on an ongoing basis by a group representative of the directors of public health and my Department. The current guidelines recommend screening for TB and hepatitis B and, where appropriate, for HIV, polio and varicella zoster or chickenpox. The guidelines do not preclude other investigations deemed necessary on clinical or public health grounds.
