Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The fact of the matter is that the tax-free allowance in Ireland, quite rightly, is €26,000 whereas it is £18,000 in Britain. While it is a serious disability, we have ensured that, in comparable terms, Ireland has not been at the back of the queue in that respect. However, the claims being made by the thalidomide association now include an additional lump sum and increased monthly payments, retrospection and additional supports. It is in that context that the Minister is expecting a report from the State Claims Agency, based on the criteria I have set out. They are important criteria in terms of making a proper assessment in the matter.

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