Committee to discuss the experiences of migrant communities engaging with the healthcare system and State bodies

The meeting at 3pm will be broadcast from Committee Room 4 of Leinster House. 

Representatives from Safetynet Primary Care, Amal Association and the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland are due to attend the meeting. 

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Kathleen Funchion said:  “We look forward to hearing about how our health system can reach migrant and marginalised communities in order to bridge the gaps in healthcare provision. While Ireland’s migrant population has expanded in recent years, the health system does not always reflect or cater for their needs." 

“We know that thousands of migrant workers did not access healthcare and treatment during the pandemic due to fears they would be deported for not having a PPS number while migrant meat plant workers expressed concern over the lack of safety measures to protect them from Covid-19 in their workplaces.” 

“We welcome the opportunity to hear from stakeholders representing the migrant community as their voices have been overlooked at times throughout the pandemic.”

The Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 4 can be viewed live on Oireachtas.ie. 

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.