Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has called on First Minister Arlene Foster MLA to clarify whether refugees and asylum seekers coming to Northern Ireland are at a disadvantage compared to those settling in other parts of Britain and Ireland.
Mr Nesbitt said:
“It is my understanding that refugees and asylum seekers in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland all have access to psychiatrists and psychologists who have the specialist skills to treat the effects of long-term torture, but that skill set is not available here in Northern Ireland.
“I brought the matter up during today’s OFMDFM Question Time, but unfortunately, the new First Minister was unable to answer my query, which suggests to me I am right to identify a very significant gap in service provision, one which we can assume at least some of the 51 Syrians who landed in Northern Ireland before Christmas will need.
“The further question is whether the refugees and asylum seekers coming here are aware of the lack of specialist support and whether this would impact on their decision to settle in this part of the United Kingdom.
“The Ulster Unionist Party’s vision is of a country that prioritises the mental health and wellbeing of all and provides the full suite of services, both medical and social.”