Mary White (Fianna Fail)

My colleagues will be aware that I have on many occasions called on the Government to support the 32 survivors of Thalidomide in this country. Yesterday, the Irish Thalidomide Association met the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, for the first time since the derisory offer in April of €62,000 per person. That offer was rejected by all 32 survivors. They are dealing with catastrophic disabilities on a daily basis. This drug was so toxic that one tablet left babies born internally damaged and without arms and legs. The Joint Committee on Health and Children has given all-party support for a proper compensation package and the release of legal documents relating to issues arising in the 1970s.