A purpose-built reception centre for asylum seekers in north Dublin is expected to close permanently soon and be re-developed as a facility for elderly patients discharged from hospital, according to a senior Health Service Executive (HSE) officer.
Balseskin Reception Centre for asylum seekers in Finglas was purpose-built five years ago at a cost of millions and its re-development is expected to cost the taxpayer millions more.
Dr Ety Schuurmans, principal medical officer with the HSE in the Dublin Mid Leinster Area, said the centre has the "best medical and therapeutic facilities for asylum seekers in Ireland" and its closure was a "backwards step".
The Department of Justice could not confirm yesterday if the reception centre was due to close. "Discussions are on-going in relation to Balseskin. No final decision has yet been made," a department spokeswoman said. A spokesman for the Department of Health also said "no final decision has yet been made".
However, a HSE spokeswoman said the implications of the proposed re-development were being considered.
"Consultation did and continues to take place with staff on the implications including the interim arrangements regarding the continued provision of medical and screening services," she added.
Dr Schuurmans said that the closure of the centre is expected today and it will be a great loss to helping meet the medical needs of asylum seekers.
"The centre has a capacity for 380 people and was purpose-built some five years ago to receive, house and medically screen asylum seekers and their children. It is actually the only purpose-built reception centre in the country and has a medical unit which is staffed by a specialised team and facilitates antenatal care on site."
She said that after its closure, asylum seekers coming into Ireland may not be screened for various diseases including HIV and TB but sent directly to reception centres where medical services are not available.
Dr Schuurmans added that the centre in its present state was not suitable for elderly patients. "A major and costly refurbishment is to be carried out to adapt the facilities. Changing the use of this facility is a waste of taxpayers' money, apart from ignoring the needs of an already marginalised group."
The 260 asylum seekers living at the centre will soon be rehoused in Mosney, Co Meath, and other reception centres but none of these centres has the same level of medical facilities.
Peter O'Mahoney of the Irish Refugee Centre expressed his disappointment at the centre's closure.
"It seems to suggest that the health issues of Irish voters, older people in hospital, is of more concern to the Government than the health of equally needy people who can't vote."