Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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691. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the protocols in place for persons with a disability in the international protection system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38938/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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In terms of reception conditions and accommodation, 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.

Insofar as the assessment of international protection applications are concerned, applicants are asked if there are any health or other issues that might impact upon their ability to participate in the process. This allows the IPO to be aware of any issues which may require specific considerations in the course of the interview and determination process, and mitigate or plan for them, when this is required.

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.

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.

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

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.