Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)

It is 50 years since a pregnancy drug called thalidomide went spectacularly wrong. The word "thalidomide" entered the dictionary, referring to an unthinking and risky approach to medicines which blighted the lives of thousands of people. Babies were born with devastating injuries. Families were torn apart and many of those affected have since died.

The babies have grown up but will face an enormous burden for the rest of their lives. Thalidomide was sold in a number of countries across the world from 1957 to 1961, when it was withdrawn from the market after it was found to be a cause of birth defects in what has been called "one of the biggest medical tragedies of modern times". It is not known exactly how many victims there are worldwide. Estimates range from 10,000 to 20,000 people. In Ireland there are 32 acknowledged survivors of the thalidomide tragedy who are now approaching their 50s. All are suffering rapidly deteriorating health, and disabilities usually seen in much older people.

The Irish Thalidomide Association has been seeking justice for those affected by the drug. It also seeks openness and transparency on the part of the Government along with an acknowledgment of the wrong that occurred. In addition, the association seeks an apology from the Government, together with a fair and equitable compensation. It engaged in discussions with the then Minister for Health and Children almost three years ago in regard to the fairness and adequacy of an arrangement entered into in 1975 on behalf of those affected. A comprehensive response is still awaited. During this time members of the association have witnessed a complete revision of these arrangements in other jurisdictions.

In December 2009, the British Government delivered an apology to those affected by thalidomide in Britain but the Irish Government still fails to acknowledge that a wrong occurred in this country. In Ireland the Attorney General advised there was no legal responsibility for the State. I find that hard to believe. The fact remains that the Government of the day failed to remove the drug for several months after it had been declared unsafe. It knew thalidomide was unsafe.

I have been made aware of the phrasing in Government documents relating to this issue, which date back for years. Phrases indicate that the Department was concerned about the economic cost of compensation by the State. There appears to be little indication of the human concerns in question. What about the parents of these children? They are now in their 80s and their children aged 50 and upwards are still trying to sort out some sort of comprehensive recompense for what happened to them. I welcome the Minister for Health's statement that he wants to enter into meaningful discussions about making a financial gesture of goodwill to survivors of thalidomide, in addition to the health care package that has already been mentioned. Regardless of any legal responsibility, there is certainly a moral responsibility on the State in this regard. A real and comprehensive settlement, rather than a token gesture, should be made to the survivors of thalidomide in Ireland.

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