Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 534: To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the Programme for Government commitment to address the need for further compensation for victims of Thalidomide; when he will deliver on this commitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33716/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I met with the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA) and the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society (ITSS) last year.

Having taken legal advice, I am satisfied that the State does not have a legal liability for the injuries suffered by Irish survivors of thalidomide. However, I have previously indicated that I am willing to enter into discussions about a financial gesture of goodwill towards Irish survivors of thalidomide, which will be constrained by virtue of the current economic circumstances of the country and the many demands made on limited resources. The Irish Thalidomide Association has stated that it fundamentally disagrees with the State's position above and it is unwilling to engage with me on this basis. I also informed both organisations that the Government's main concern is to address their health and social care needs. The first step in this process is to identify the needs of each individual. The Health Service Executive (HSE) and Dr Paul O'Connell, Consultant in Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Beaumont Hospital have developed a protocol for an appropriate assessment process. The ITA is unwilling to engage in this process also.

The protocol envisages that the multidisciplinary assessment process will include medical, nursing, occupation therapists, physiotherapists, social workers and/or other designated staff as appropriate. It is proposed that the assessment will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 will be conducted by a multidisciplinary team in Beaumont Hospital. Phase II will be conducted by a multidisciplinary team in the community, preferably in the home. In addition, Beaumont will establish and maintain links with more established centres in Europe. The draft Protocol for the Multidisciplinary Management Plan for the Care of Survivors of Thalidomide in Ireland was sent to the ITSS. The ITSS were asked to review the draft protocol and revert to the HSE with any observations.

However, the ITSS has written to the HSE regarding the extent and scope of the assessment process. Some major issues raised by the ITSS, including an independent agency, housing, heating and transport are unfortunately outside my Department's remit. I have written to the ITSS requesting them, in good faith, to continue to engage with the HSE in developing and participating in a health care assessment process. The process and its outcome will provide information which will assist us in addressing the future health care needs of Irish survivors of thalidomide.