Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
714. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if a person applying for international protection must include details of any transmissible diseases they may be living with, such as HIV, or tuberculosis, in their application for international protection status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36548/26]
View answer715. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the number of instances from 2019 to date where a person applying for international protection has included details on of any transmissible diseases they may have been living with or were being treated for, such as HIV, or tuberculosis, in their application for international protection status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36549/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 714 and 715 together.
I can advise the Deputy that applicants are offered an opportunity to identify any medical conditions they or their dependents may have in their application form for international protection. This information, if supplied, is not collated in a manner that allows it to be used for statistical purposes. Applicants are further invited to submit documentary evidence of any medical conditions prior to their international protection interview.
As the Deputy will be aware, the International Protection Act 2026 was signed into law last month, giving effect to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact. My Department continues to focus on preparing for the commencement of the Act on 12 June 2026, which is the day on which the measures of the Pact come into effect.
Under the International Protection Act 2026 persons arriving at ports, airports or at international protection application offices who claim asylum will be subject to initial security and identity checks and will be registered on the Eurodac system. Those seeking to claim asylum will attend a designated Screening Centre where they can lodge an application for international protection.
During the screening process, applicants will undergo further security, identity, health, and vulnerability checks.
The screening centre will have staff from asylum processing, appeals, returns, reception, HSE, Department of Social Protection, legal representatives, and other agencies co-located and engaging with applicants onsite.
