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

The programme for Government rightly commits the Government to resolving the plight of a variety of groups in society. Some time ago, the Taoiseach made very positive, worthwhile and commendable comments on the Magdalens. Can the Tánaiste tell us when it is proposed to publish the report by Mr. Justice John Quirke? In addition to that, positive statements have been made about victims of symphysiotomy.

Some weeks ago, the Tánaiste referred in the House to commitments, also contained in the programme for Government, to the 32 survivors of the thalidomide drug. The programme for Government makes very clear commitments on those 32 people where it says the Government will seek to resolve their plight. Can the Tánaiste answer one simple question on that? Since he last referred to the matter here, has the Minister for Health met representatives of the 32 survivors with a view to advancing the situation?

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