Vol. 564 No. 5
282 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received any reports on the testing for and treatment of infectious diseases among populations newly arriving in Ireland; and whether he believes any new initiatives are necessary for the future development of services. [9824/03]
In addition to the existing services provided in relation to infectious diseases, an infectious disease screening service is provided for asylum see kers newly arrived in this country. Infectious disease screening is a voluntary and confidential service offered free of charge to asylum seekers shortly after their arrival here. The purpose of screening is to detect and treat certain infectious diseases in the interests of the asylum seekers and their families, as well as the community in general.
Initial screening usually takes place at reception centres in Dublin where asylum seekers may reside for five days or more and continues when they are relocated to other health board regions. Those who do not receive screening in Dublin are offered this service following dispersal. Screening is provided for the following: TB, Hepatitis B, Polio virus and Varicella Zoster virus. HIV testing is also offered.
A group representative of the directors of public health and the Department of Health and Children reviews the approach adopted to communicable disease screening for asylum seekers on an ongoing basis. The current guidelines were issued in September 2001.
There are no plans at present to extend this screening service to any other group.
I have not received any report recently specifically dealing with the testing for and treatment of infectious diseases among populations newly arriving in Ireland; however, from time to time my Department receives submissions from health boards in relation to asylum seeker issues in general.
