Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 December 2025
654. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is satisfied with the level of mental health support available for those seeking international protection upon arrival, particularly for those fleeing war zones and other highly traumatic situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69709/25]
View answer655. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is satisfied with the level of physical health assessment available for those seeking international protection upon arrival, particularly for those coming from countries where the level of healthcare is not at the same standard as we have in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69711/25]
View answer656. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is satisfied with the level of ongoing health supports for those living in international protection centres, particularly for people suffering with long term illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69713/25]
View answer657. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he is satisfied with the level of mental health support available for those living in international protection centres, particularly for those fleeing war zones and other highly traumatic situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69715/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 654, 655, 656 and 657 together.
I am very aware of the health and welfare needs of people applying for international protection, as by definition, many applicants are fleeing war and oppression in their home country. As such a range of assessments and services are provided to people, both on arrival and during their time in the process.
These services are facilitated by IPAS teams and partners, and the HSE provides all substantive health and social cares services to people in Ireland, including IPAS residents.
As set out in the reception conditions regulations, IPAS carries out Vulnerability Assessments for new arrivals, offered to single females, couples, and families who make an application for international protection and require accommodation from IPAS. The assessments are voluntary, and applicants are not required to participate or to share information with IPAS.
Where an applicant participates and states that they, or their child, have a medical need or disability during an assessment, the person will be signposted to relevant services. Where appropriate, the applicant will be provided with information on how to make a self-referral or to directly access the relevant service. The information is also used by IPAS to appropriately accommodate people where required.
Vulnerability Triage Assessments are offered to single male international protection applicants. The vulnerability triage aims to identify the most vulnerable within this group and ensure that they are prioritised for accommodation as soon as it is available.
Once people are assigned accommodation, supports are provided to people and families staying in IPAS centres to access community services in relation to their physical and mental health, educational opportunities, and employment opportunities.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is responsible for providing health services in all communities, including people resident in International Protection Accommodation Service accommodation.
Residents in IPAS accommodation centres are entitled to a medical card and access GP services within the local community. Specialist health and social care services for families are accessed through primary care, GP referral, and emergency services.
In some larger IPAS Centres, in-reach medical or health care services may also be provided, through local arrangements with the health services in the area.
If an international protection applicant or their child requires additional supports or if they develop a vulnerability during the application process, they may contact the Resident Welfare Team at IPAS at any time to seek support.
