Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm that the lifelong monthly payments received by the 32 acknowledged thalidomide survivors will continue to be awarded in full and that it will not be affected by the withdrawal of the Christmas bonus which has always formed part of the annual compensation sum received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24911/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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There are thirty two thalidomide victims in the State.

Each of the people affected by thalidomide has a unique set of problems to deal with and is in receipt of a special monthly payment made to persons suffering from the effects of thalidomide. Each individual is entitled to a medical card and health services are made available to support them.

The payment is made to affected persons by the Department of Health and Children. Payment of a Christmas bonus is by approval by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, on foot of a Government decision each year. The monthly payment to victims of thalidomide is between €514.59 and €1,109.46. The Christmas bonus for weekly social welfare recipients and recipients of the thalidomide payment has traditionally added one additional week's payment.

The Minister for Social and Family Affairs has explained that the Government's decision in the April Supplementary Budget to discontinue funding for the Christmas bonus this year is necessary to help restore order and stability to the public finances. Payment of a Christmas bonus to persons suffering the effects of thalidomide are included in this decision.