Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is welcome that such an instruction would go out. We are not saying the medicine is necessarily dangerous but it is in certain circumstances. The more awareness there is, the better. The actions being taken now are somewhat for the future.

I have met some of the women affected and their children, some of whom are adults. They have been profoundly affected by this drug. I am not a scientist or a doctor. I cannot make that equivalence but I have met them. These children suffer from a range of conditions.

As the Minister is aware, it can give rise to spina bifida, heart defects, breathing difficulties, overlapping fingers, clubfoot, hip dislocation and distinctive facial characteristics, all of which contribute to making life extremely difficult for these women. I have met them. They are fighting very hard for services but there is no recognition of what has caused them to need the additional services. The Minister should not forget some families who have already been impacted by the issue and also need to be looked after. It cannot just be a project for the future.

See this speech in context