Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the new supports for survivors of thalidomide that will meet the needs of the Irish survivors into the future through increased financial assistance and additional supports. I congratulate those who have been supportive of the two groups which made submissions. There is an issue arising from what we have agreed to put in place, although I welcome the initiative. I know there are different views between the two groups about the measures.

I have mentioned time and again the failure of the HSE and this view has been endorsed by these groups and recognised by the measures put in place by the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. One of the measures is the designation of a senior manager in the HSE to act as a liaison officer for service needs of the survivors. That sends a clear message that the HSE has failed these survivors in putting the required service needs in place for them, as the people were unable to contact the necessary people to get services. It is great that the 32 people will now have a liaison officer available to them. The length and breadth of the country, good representative bodies that have been seeking liaison officers have been unable to obtain any because the HSE has failed them. It is time for a debate on the success or otherwise of the HSE and the need for regional structures to be put in place so those who need to tap into the services and public representatives will not get lost in the mass of HSE managers.

The escalating number of suicides is a concern. We have the fourth highest rate in the EU. In light of the current financial difficulties, the actions of bank officials of certain institutions and the associated pressures, I welcome the National Office for Suicide Prevention's annual forum, which is under way in Dublin.