A spokesperson for the HSE told the <strong><em>Medical Independent</em></strong> (<strong><em>MI</em></strong>) that a “rapid review” of the previous strategy (which covered the years 2007-2012) has now been completed.
The spokesperson added that with new schemes in existence such as the refugee programme, the new strategy might have a significantly different focus.
“The landscape has changed considerably since 2007 in respect of the situation of migrants entering Ireland,” said the spokesperson.
“The refugee programme is underway, numbers of asylum seekers have reduced, while the country itself has undergone prolonged austerity. Any new strategy will need to take account of such changes and their impacts.
“A rapid review of the Intercultural Health Strategy 2007-2012 has been undertaken and its findings will be used in formulating a new strategy. The anticipated completion date for this strategy is Q4 2016.”
The need for a new National Intercultural Health Strategy is noted in the HSE Primary Care Division Operational Plan for 2016.
