Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
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269. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality following on from a person in the international protection process being identified as having a disability related to a neurological condition, to outline the specific accommodations that are made in relation to applicable benefits, accessible housing, and subsidised travel, in line with the recommendations of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. [38340/25]

Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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290. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the protocols in place to document and assess an international protection applicant's medical condition and level of disability once they arrive in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38596/25]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 290 together.

Services for all international protection applicants, including healthcare and education are mainstreamed and accessed through the same referral pathways as Irish residents or citizens.

Residents in International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres access GP services within the local community, and other health services are accessed through GP referral, primary care, and emergency services.

People who apply for international protection are entitled to a vulnerability assessment, in line with the requirements of the European Communities (Reception Conditions) Regulations. This is a voluntary process, and applicants are not required to share information with IPAS.

At the moment, vulnerability assessments are provided to families on arrival and vulnerability triage is provided to all single males on arrival to identify people with specific needs.

Where an applicant states that they or their child has a medical need or disability during the assessment, the person will be referred to the relevant services. The information shared by applicants is also used by IPAS to appropriately accommodate people.

Where appropriate, the applicant may also be provided with information on how to make a self-referral or directly access the relevant service. Transport to medical appointments and services is provided for residents if needed.

Most people seeking international protection are entitled to a medical card and their treatment is provided in the same manner as Irish residents or citizens, through publicly funded health and social care services provided by the HSE or by organisations funded by the HSE.

If a vulnerability or disability emerges or is advised to IPAS after a person or family has already been accommodated and they require accessible or more suitable accommodation in a particular location on medical grounds, they are asked to submit a referral form in accordance with the IPAS Protocol for Medical Transfer ().

The referral enables the person’s medical professionals to outline the accommodation requirements including mobility, proximity to hospital or other service which are then used by IPAS to identify the most suitable accommodation available within its portfolio.