Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 170: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if people who are thalidomide victims but have not come forward or notified her Department of their case to date can identify themselves; if it can be accepted that they are thalidomide victims; if financial assistance will be provided similar to the provisions approved by the Government in May 1973 or in any other such matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7737/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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Thalidomide preparations were marketed in Ireland from May 1959 to January 1962 when they were withdrawn from sale by the manufacturers. In May 1970, following confirmation by the Department of External Affairs that an offer of compensation by the German manufacturers of thalidomide applied to Irish born children with conditions attributed to thalidomide, the Department of Health issued advertisements inviting parents and others involved in the care of such children to furnish particulars which were forwarded to representatives of the manufacturers.

In May 1973, the Government decided in principle that it should provide financial assistance in addition to that paid by the German foundation. The then Minister for Health established the Irish Thalidomide Medical Board to identify the number of Irish children affected and report on each individual case. The board concluded that 34 Irish children were affected by the drug — one of whom was the beneficiary of the British compensation scheme as the mother was prescribed the drug while living in the UK. In December 1974 the Government granted each of the remaining 33 children further financial assistance by way of a lump sum and a monthly allowance for life. To date, my Department has not been made aware of the existence of any case as described by the Deputy.