Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 324: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of thalidomide victims who reside here; the details of the supports provided for these persons; the details of funds administered by the State on behalf of the victims of the thalidomide drug; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5035/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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There are 32 Irish victims of thalidomide, 28 of whom currently reside in the State.

Thalidomide preparations were marketed in Ireland from May 1959 to January 1962 when they were withdrawn from sale by the manufacturers. The preparations on sale in this country were manufactured by Chemie Grunenthal of Germany.

Irish victims of thalidomide receive compensation from the foundation set up under German legislation to provide compensation for victims of thalidomide.

The Irish Government decision of January 1975 granted, to each Irish victim of thalidomide, a lump sum of four times the equivalent German lump sum and a monthly allowance for life equivalent to the German monthly allowance.

The Irish monthly allowance, which has increased over the past 35 years, is paid by the Department of Health and Children and is currently between €514.59 and €1,109.46 per month.

The German and the Irish monthly allowance is tax-free and is not reckonable for State benefits. Each individual is entitled to a medical card and health services.

The Minister and Department officials have met with the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA) on a number of occasions. The Association has made submissions to the Minister seeking additional compensation in the form of an additional lump sum payment, a substantial increase in their monthly payment and retrospection.

In May 2009, the Minister for Health and Children asked the Irish State Claims Agency to assess the ITA's requests in the context of Irish and International provisions for victims of thalidomide and in the context of Irish case law and precedent; and to advise the Minister accordingly. It is expected that the State Claims Agency will report before the end of February.

Any proposal which comes out of this process will need to be considered by Government.