Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 March 2022
606. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if he will set up a system by which general practitioners are allocated to large accommodation centres in which Ukrainian refugees are currently residing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15775/22]
View answerThe Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people fleeing the war in Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland.
Very significant planning and preparatory work is taking place across Government to provide accommodation and other essential supports to those who have arrived here already, as well as the large numbers of further people expected to arrive. The Department of Health and the HSE are engaging fully in this process.
People fleeing Ukraine are entitled to receive, on the same basis as an Irish citizen, medical care from the State. Ukrainian refugees will be able to get health care services from the HSE including access to Covid-19 vaccinations, GPs, community care and hospital or emergency care.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY ) is responsible for the provision of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees who have sought accommodation. To date, refugees have been accommodated in emergency accommodation, mainly hotels. DCEDIY is ramping up preparations to provide serviced accommodation and independent accommodation, including offers of accommodation from the general public pledged through the Irish Red Cross and other NGOs.
The Department of Health and the HSE are working closely with DCEDIY to coordinate the provision of primary care services for refugees staying in emergency accommodation. The HSE is planning to provide rapid access to basic priority GP/primary care in these locations, to include care for acute illnesses and ongoing clinical care of priority medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, chronic illness plus acute care/triage of illnesses.
