Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health his views on a submission (details supplied) regarding thalidomide survivors; the number of meetings he has had with the group and the number planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13476/13]

Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health when his Department will come to a fair and reasonable decision in respect of victims of Thalidomide to address the serious consequences arising from their disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13537/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 135 and 143 together.

Given the challenges that persist for each individual, this Government's aim is to address the health and personal social care needs of thalidomide survivors living in Ireland. I have stated that I am willing to enter into discussions about a health care package on a non-statutory basis; an ex-gratia payment having regard to current financial circumstances; and a statement to the Dáil recognising the challenges faced by survivors.

There are two thalidomide representative organisations. The largest group, the Irish Thalidomide Association announced publicly in 2012 that it had ceased talks with the Government. The Association's legal advisor has initiated personal injuries claims against the manufacturer and distributors of the Thalidomide drug and the State.

The second organisation, the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society, has sought an independent agency and a statutory health care package including other aspects of their needs such as housing, heating, transport and clothing, which are outside the remit of the health sector. My position remains unchanged from that outlined in my letter to the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society in June last year in which I requested that the Society consider, in good faith, proceeding with a Health Care Protocol which envisaged appointing and training a multi-disciplinary team, arranging a multi-disciplinary health evaluation, identifying and documenting their healthcare needs/issues and developing plans to address those needs.

I met with both organisations in July 2011 and have been in correspondence since.

There are currently 32 Irish Thalidomide survivors. Each survivor received lump sum payments from a German Foundation and the Irish Government in the early 1970s. In 1975 the lump-sums paid by the Irish Government ranged from €6,400 to €21,000. In addition, each survivor receives on-going monthly payments from both the German Foundation and the Irish Government. Combining the Irish and German payments, most individuals receive €30,386 per annum or €2,572 per month, tax free. The German and Irish monthly allowance is not reckonable for State benefits and each individual is automatically entitled to a medical card.