Margaret Murphy O'Mahony (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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390. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide a report on his Department's dealings with survivors of thalidomide since 2011 following the commitment in the programme for Government that year; the status of any discussions regarding compensation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29428/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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There are 32 Irish survivors of thalidomide. Given the challenges that persist for each individual, the Government is committed to addressing the health and personal social care needs of thalidomide survivors living in Ireland. Most of the survivors are represented by the Irish Thalidomide Association, with a smaller number represented by the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society. A small number of others are not affiliated to either organisation. Irish survivors of thalidomide are seeking additional supports (financial and public service supports) from the State, some of which are outside the remit of my Department.

In accordance with the commitment in the 2011 Programme for Government, the then Minister for Health met with both representative bodies of Irish survivors of thalidomide in July of that year. Following the Government Decision of 27 April, 2010, the Government offered a once-off ex-gratia payment of €2 million to be divided equally between all the Irish survivors as a practical expression of the Government's sympathy, along with a wider package of supports based on an individual assessment of need. Since then, a total of 17 survivors have accepted a payment of €62,500 each. This payment remains on offer to other survivors.

The Health Service Executive has also appointed Ms. Carmel Buckley (Nursing and Midwifery Planning and Development Officer) as a strategic national liaison to all 32 thalidomide survivors to assist them in accessing health and personal social supports which they may require.

Of the 32 Irish Survivors of thalidomide, 22 have initiated personal injury claims in the High Court against the State. The personal injury claims are being managed on behalf of the State by the State Claims Agency.