HC Deb 14 February 2000 vol 344 c382W
Mr. McDonnell

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to (a) identify and (b) address the specific health needs of the Irish community in Britain. [107585]

Yvette Cooper

The 1999 Health Survey for England focused on the health of ethnic minorities (including Irish people) and its report will be published later this year. The 2001 Census includes questions on health and will for the first time ask for and separately classify those people who describe themselves as of Irish ethnic origin. The "Saving lives—Our Healthier Nation" White Paper, published last year has inequalities in health as one of its main themes and will address the needs of all the population including Irish people.