Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask that the Whips not be blamed for the comments the Taoiseach has made.

In terms of the commitments in the programme for Government, we must recognise that yesterday's move in regard to the ex gratiapayment to survivors of symphysiotomy marked significant progress, notwithstanding the fact that not everybody involved is happy. However, I have raised repeatedly the issue of a small group, the 32 survivors of thalidomide in this country. They are mentioned in the programme for Government and there is a very specific commitment to do something. The Government is to be lauded for what it has done for the Magdalens and the survivors of symphysiotomy. Given that the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, may be departing the scene, could the Taoiseach give us an assurance that something will be done as a matter of urgency for the 32 survivors of thalidomide?

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