David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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1802. To ask the Minister for Health when he plans to introduce spending measures related to ending direct provision; and the breakdown of the way they compare to existing spending for international protection applicants. [35542/21]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Overall responsibility for the Direct Provision system rests with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, while the Department of Health and the HSE are responsible for the policy and provision of health care service for persons in the protection system.

Primary care services are currently provided to persons living in Direct Provision on the same basis as Irish nationals. A person seeking international protection can apply for and be assessed for a medical card. Services provided include access to a GP, medical prescriptions, dental care, optician care, pregnancy services and children’s health.

Minister O’Gorman published A White Paper to End Direct Provision and to establish a New International Protection Support Service on 26 February 2021. As part of the white paper, the Department of Health and the HSE have proposed an enhanced model of health care for international protection applicants. It responds to the main issues facing this population group, covering public health, mental health and physical health. The model is in line with the HSE intercultural health strategy and the Sláintecare reform programme.

As a initial step, I secured an additional €750,000 in Budget 2021 to enhance healthcare services for applicants for international protection and other people living in direct provision. This funding will enable the HSE to meet Government commitments to improve health provision to residents in IPAS. The funding is intended to provide for improved health provision and the development of an enhanced model of health care (primary care and mental health) for Applicants for International Protection as outlined in the White Paper.

I am committed to working with the HSE to meet the health needs of people seeking international protection, in collaboration with IPAS and other service providers.