Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress since the Adjournment debate of 18 December 2007 on thalidomide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8810/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister met with the Irish Thalidomide Association on 17th January 2008 and she decided to refer the five individuals claiming exposure to thalidomide in Ireland for clinical assessment using the services of an independent international medical examiner. Officials of the Department have been in touch with Dr Peter Kohler, Stockholm, Sweden and I understand that he is willing to undertake the clinical assessment at the Red Cross Hospital, Stockholm and provide his expert opinion on each individual case. The Department is in contact with Dr Kohler with regard to his requirements prior to assessment and arrangements for carrying out the assessment. The Department has been in contact with the five individuals and will contact them further when the arrangements are in place.