Groups representing ethnic minorities have welcomed the five-year plan by health authorities to improve access to health services among foreign nationals and ethnic minorities.
The Health Service Executive's (HSE) national intercultural health strategy includes plans to establish a national translation service, anti-racism training for health professionals and research into health outcomes for different ethnic groups.
Fr Michael Begley, group director of Spirasi, a health information centre for newly arrived asylum seekers, said the recognition of the health needs of survivors of torture was especially significant. He said Spirasi had helped to provide services to almost 900 survivors of mistreatment last year.
"The prolonged and often complex mental health consequences of torture linger long after the event itself and demand expert intervention if such survivors of inhumanity are ever to regain their equilibrium," Fr Begley said.
Among the key priorities set out in the HSE's blueprint are:
• providing greater access to information through professional interpretation and translation services;
• delivering services on the basis of equality of access;
• ensuring the health service reflects the diversity of Irish society; and
• working in partnership with minority communities to help tackle inequalities.
At the launch of the strategy yesterday, the HSE's assistant national director for social inclusion Alice O'Flynn said people from minority groups were at increased risk from poverty and social exclusion.
"Irish Travellers, asylum seekers, refugees and migrant workers are especially vulnerable and members of these groups may be exposed to racism and discrimination," she said.
"This, coupled with language and cultural barriers, may further compromise health and wellbeing."
"This strategy advises on the optimum way towards planning and delivering of care and support in an equal, accessible and effective way, while acknowledging and valuing the diversity of all service users and providers."
Foreign nationals account for about 10 per cent of the population, according to the latest census results. This is projected to rise to 18 per cent by 2030.
This diversity is reflected in the ranks of many areas of the healthcare system. For example, 33 per cent in the medical/dental field are from overseas, as are 14 per cent of nurses and midwives.
HSE chief executive Prof Brendan Drumm said it was vital that the HSE adapted to meet the needs of a rapidly changing population. "We must ensure that our services are provided equally to all and respond appropriately to the specific health needs of new and well established minority communities," he said.
"The national intercultural strategy has an important role to play in ensuring we do this in an inclusive, respectful and fair way."