Written answers

Tuesday, 30 April 2013

Department of Health

Thalidomide Victims Compensation

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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510. To ask the Minister for Health if he will convene a meeting with the Department of Social Protection, his Department and the Thalidomide Survivors groups as a matter of urgency to prepare a comprehensive plan for the delivery of a care package for the 32 Thalidomide survivors which honours the commitment given to their parents in 1975. [19920/13]

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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511. To ask the Minister for Health if he will ensure that funds are ringfenced to meet the needs of the 32 Thalidomide survivors, including access to car and dwelling adaptations, personal assistances, and any other measures necessary in a comprehensive care package. [19921/13]

Photo of Brian StanleyBrian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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583. To ask the Minister for Health the plans that are in place to assist the 32 Thalidomide victims with compensation; if he will meet a delegation representing them to discuss their concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20366/13]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 510, 511 and 583 together.

31 Irish thalidomide survivors currently receive financial support from the State. This support is in addition to the financial support they receive from the German foundation set up to support people affected by the German made drug.

Each Irish survivor received lump sum payments from the 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 over €2,500 per month, or €575 per week tax free.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to reopen discussions with Irish survivors of thalidomide. I met with both representative organisations in July 2011 and have been in correspondence since.

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.

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.

I have asked the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society to 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 each individual's healthcare needs/issues and developing plans to address those needs. The team is planning to attend a centre of excellence in Sweden next month. The Society is unwilling to proceed on this basis and is seeking commitments to additional supports I am not in a position to provide. Each Irish thalidomide survivor has a medical card and it is open to each individual to apply for the numerous public supports available to people with a disability provided by other Departments such as housing adaptation grants, disabled drivers tax concessions and disability allowance.

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