John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 150: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the situation in relation to medical screening of persons who arrive here from areas of infections; if tests or screening are voluntary or compulsory; the screening which is available; if it is part of any legislation or status granting procedure; the period within which it is offered or carried out, from arrival; the way in which procedures here compare with other EU jurisdictions; and the EU countries which have compulsory screening in total or part. [23819/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I assume the Deputy is referring to infectious diseases screening for asylum seekers. Since May 2000, screening in respect of specific infectious diseases has been offered to asylum seekers on a voluntary and confidential basis, free of charge, shortly after their arrival in this country. The purpose of screening is to detect and treat certain infectious diseases in the interests of the asylum seekers themselves and their families, as well as the community in general.

Initial screening usually takes place in Dublin where asylum seekers may reside following arrival in this country and continues when they are relocated to other HSE regions. Those who do not receive screening in Dublin are offered this service following relocation. The guidelines relating to infectious disease screening recommend screening is provided for the following diseases: TB, hepatitis B and, where appropriate, HIV, polio and varicella zoster or chicken pox.

In the time available, it has not been possible to establish the precise screening regimes in other EU jurisdictions. However, in so far as my Department is aware, our screening policy is broadly in line with that in other EU member states.