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

I am aware the Acting Chairman, Deputy Jack Wall, has an interest in this issue and I am pleased the Minister of State, who has also demonstrated a keen interest in it over many years, is present for this discussion.

I view the 32 victims of the thalidomide drug in the context of two other important groups, namely, the victims of symphysiotomy and the women survivors of the Magdalen laundries. I am ashamed that my political party did not resolve these issues while in government. I have paid tribute in the House to the Taoiseach who got off to a rocky start on the Magdalen laundries when he failed to offer an immediate apology. We are informed from media reports that members of the Labour Party jumped up and down and the result was the completion by Mr. Justice Quirke of a comprehensive report which makes a significant offer to the Magdalen women, albeit one that does not satisfy all of them.

The issue of symphysiotomy has been raised again in recent days, including on Leaders' Questions this morning. People are wondering what action will be taken on the issue and victims of the practice are afraid the Government will make an announcement during the recess period which will not be to their satisfaction.

The survivors of thalidomide do not appear to receive the attention they deserve. Last Tuesday, the Taoiseach indicated in response to my party leader, Deputy Martin, that the Minister for Health had been in discussions with thalidomide victims who are, unfortunately, represented by two groups.

In fairness to the Taoiseach when I put it to him on the following Thursday he corrected the record by stating that senior departmental officials had been in touch with thalidomide victims. One of those organisations has advised me that it has had no contact from senior departmental officials and so frustrated is it that in the past two to three weeks it has issued legal proceedings.

In appealing to the Minister of State I know I am appealing to somebody with understanding of and sensitivity to the issue. Given that only 32 people are affected the amount of money involved to resolve this is small. However, it is not just about money but also about the State apologising for having done the victims a serious wrong. It is about putting in place a proper social-care plan for these people, many of whom are very seriously debilitated. Their disabilities are being exacerbated by their increasing age and their careers are being affected by virtue of trying to look after them. They will report, as I know they have reported to the Acting Chairman, Deputy Wall, that everything is a struggle for them. It is a struggle to extract from the State what should be clear and direct supports given what the State ultimately did to them when they were born just over 50 years ago.

We can point to what is happening in Germany and the increased compensation from the manufacturer of the drugs, which is fair enough. While it might be too little too late, at least it is happening. However, what might be happening in Germany does not absolve this State of its responsibility.

I again appeal to the Minister of State to prioritise this small group of people to ensure they are not made wait any longer for justice.

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