Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if records are kept of the number of asylum seekers with a disability; the methodology used to identify the presence of a disability and the services available to asylum seekers with a disability. [5436/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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On the question of the methodology used to identify persons with a disability, I am advised by the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner (ORAC) that information is sought from asylum applicants when completing their application questionnaire in relation to whether they have a disability or medical condition which is relevant to, or may affect their asylum application, or which would necessitate the provision of special facilities during their asylum interview. They are further queried at interview stage in relation to any issues which may inhibit their ability to engage in the refugee status determination process. In this context the Commissioner has also informed me that a number of personnel from all front line units have received disability awareness training, with the most recent training provided in September 2010.

The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the number of asylum seekers with a disability is not readily available as aggregate figures in respect of the questionnaire data are not maintained by the ORAC. All asylum seekers are provided with the same medical services as are available to the general population. Details in relation to the services available to persons with a disability are primarily a matter for the HSE.