There are no plans for compulsory HIV or TB screening of immigrants or asylum-seekers, despite the consideration of such a proposal by the British government.
The Home Office and Department of Health in Britain are considering screening the health of immigrants, according to media reports.
However, a spokesman for the Minister for Health, Mr Martin, yesterday reiterated a statement made last December that the introduction of mandatory health screening for non-nationals is not being considered at this time. The statement was made in response to a question in the Dáil from Ms Olivia Mitchell.
Mr Martin pointed out that screening for specific infectious diseases, such as TB, hepatitis B, polio, chicken pox and HIV, were offered to asylum-seekers on a voluntary basis.