Vol. 446 No. 2
77 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health the state of health of refugees currently living in Ireland to the knowledge of the State authorities, particularly their psychological wellbeing; the help, if any, specialist or otherwise, that has been or is available for those who may require it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1738/94]
All refugees admitted to Ireland under Government decisions have been provided with any medical treatment deemed necessary. The majority of the refugees from the former Yugoslavia have undertaken medical screening — either at the Cherry Orchard Reception Centre or, in the case of medical evacuees, in Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital. No formal guidelines are in place for the relatives of refugees admitted for the purposes of family reunification. However, the Eastern Health Board is informed of their arrival, on an individual basis, and arrangements made for the issue of medical cards to such persons. The medical needs of all the refugees are addressed on an on-going basis.
The Psychology Department of the Eastern Health Board has been providing limited services to the Bosnian refugee community since their arrival in September 1992. The mental health status of all those willing to co-operate, approximately 75 per cent, has been surveyed.
There have been therapeutic interventions at both group and individual levels. In addition, those members of the community with significant psychological-psychiatric disorders have been referred to their local psychiatric services. A psychological needs assessment is currently being carried out and a report is expected in the near future.
