Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 214: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the recent report which stated that up to 90% of asylum seekers experienced depression and feelings of worthlessness within six months of arriving here. [14196/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not aware of a Report on research relating to the prevalence of depression among asylum seekers. The observation that "90% of asylum seekers experienced depression and feelings of worthlessness within six months of arriving here" was reported recently in a medical publication, but it did not refer to a representative research project conducted in a systematic way. Access to primary care and mental health services is available to all individuals experiencing depression, including asylum seekers.