Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for raising this important matter. I have heard the debates on this issue in the Houses in recent years. As I said, it is, unfortunately, not possible to comment on matters that are sub judice. I reiterate the Government's commitment to continuing to provide the range of supports, including monthly payments, health and personal social services, to thalidomide survivors. We want to continue to provide for the complex and unique health and social service needs of survivors to enable them to live with dignity, particularly as some of them are more than 90 years old.I am confident the process underway to develop recommendations for pathways of care for survivors' current and future healthcare needs will greatly enhance the provision of these services. I also look forward to the development of statutory proposals, which will be informed by this process and will place the provision of these supports and services on a firm statutory footing. I will notify the Taoiseach and his office about meeting with the group as soon as possible.