Ivana Bacik
Question:607. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on health supports offered to international protection applicants who are without accommodation. [16160/24]
View answerTuesday, 16 April 2024
Questions (607)
Written answers
All international protection applicants are entitled to, and have access to, healthcare services. Since 2022, healthcare services have been provided for over 25,000 applicants for international protection.
There are additional challenges in providing healthcare services for unaccommodated applicants for international protection. The HSE is providing an initial health response for applicants in the International Protection Offices in Mount St, Dublin. Applicants are invited to answer some health related questions in order to ascertain if immediate health service supports are required and to ensure appropriate intervention is offered. This process allows the HSE to communicate specific vulnerabilities to the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) (part of the Dept of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth), who work with the applicant to prioritise accommodation where possible.
In addition, the HSE is providing access to GP services for unaccommodated applicants for international protection in Dublin city centre, in conjunction with Safetynet GP services. Details of these services are contained in the attached information leaflet provided by IPAS. HSE homeless outreach services are also available to those without accommodation.
I am committed to ensuring that health services are provided for all categories of refugee. I am aware of the challenges in providing healthcare services for unaccommodated international protection applicants. The Department of Health has provided significant additional resources to the HSE to ensure the provision of healthcare services for all refugees, including those who are unaccommodated.
I have referred this question to the HSE to provide further detail on the health services available to unaccommodated international protection applicants.