Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Obviously, we are all aware of this particular situation. The original settlement regarding these matters was made back in the 1970s. The Minister is awaiting a report from the State Claims Agency, which is expected this month. The Minister has asked the State Claims Agency to examine the Irish Thalidomide Association's claims and to assess them in the context of Irish and international provisions for victims of thalidomide and Irish case law and precedent, and to advise her. Any proposal which comes out of that process will be considered by Government at that point.

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