Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party) | Oireachtas source

While dealing with 32 survivors might seem a small figure, this process has trundled on for decades, over the lifetimes of these victims. The State did not consciously suppress the 1974 documentation but what is revealed is the extent of knowledge which was not shared. Had it been shared, lives could have been changed. In that sense, the State responded inappropriately and is culpable to a degree. The programme for Government accepts State culpability and agrees on the provision of an adequate compensation and care package. The necessity for a proper package is the most persistent demand from the survivors. When we raised it previously, the Minister for Health has said as they get a medical card, they can apply for housing adaptation grants and so forth. They have applied for many of these services but not received them. They want these services to be ring-fenced and guaranteed as a right to people to whom an injustice has been done. We now have the proof that there was knowledge about the dangers of the drug, a better response could have saved many. Hopefully, we have learned from this. The State’s response in 1962, through a confidential memorandum to the medical profession, was wholly inadequate. At least this would not happen now. Transparency and knowledge is a good development that should be encouraged rather than authorities trying to keep a lid on matters.

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