Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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708. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if persons applying for entry visas, residence permits, or international protection are required to undergo any form of medical examination or testing for infectious diseases or viruses; the categories of entrants, if any, for whom such testing remains mandatory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61030/25]

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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709. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if consideration has been given to reintroducing or expanding medical screening for infectious diseases and viruses among persons entering or residing in the State; if any risk assessments or public health reviews have been undertaken in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61031/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 708 and 709 together.

At present, there are currently no routine health screening requirements for people entering the State.

The General Scheme of a new International Protection Bill to give effect to the measures of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact was approved by Government on 29 April 2025. As the Deputy is aware, the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration recently conducted pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme. The drafting of the Bill is well advanced. It is expected that the Bill will be published by the end of the year. Enactment of the Bill and commencement of the Act is required by 11 June 2026.

It is my intention that the International Protection Bill will make provision for the introduction of compulsory screening of all international protection applicants who enter the State, other than those who have been screened in another Member State upon their entry into the European Union.

One important element of the screening process to be provided for in the International Protection Bill will be a preliminary health check. The purpose of the preliminary health check is to identify applicants with acute medical care needs, and illnesses which might pose a threat to public health, including any need for detention and isolation of a person who is a probable source of infection in accordance with section 38 of the Health Act 1947.

In relation wider health screening for all arrivals in the state, or a health risk assessment or any public health review on the necessity for such checks, this would be a matter for my colleague the Minister for Health.