Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will honour the commitment in the Programme for Government to provide a compensation package to sufferers affected by Thalidomide.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38736/12]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will support the Thalidomide Survivors in 2012 and 2013 in relation to compensation [39256/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1781 and 1854 together.

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 ITA has stated that it fundamentally disagrees with the State's position above and it is unwilling to engage with me on this basis.

In July 2012, the ITA, through their solicitor, submitted 17 personal injury claims to me. These claims have been delegated to the State Claims Agency. 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 also unwilling to engage in this process.

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.