Written answers

Thursday, 28 November 2019

Department of Health

Thalidomide Victims Compensation

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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143. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter regarding thalidomide (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49494/19]

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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There are a number of cases concerning thalidomide before the High Court at present, which are being managed by the State Claims Agency on behalf of the Irish State.

The State Defendants in the proceedings are the Minister for Health and Children, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, the Attorney General and Ireland. An order for discovery was sought by the Plaintiff and was made by the High Court on 10 April, 2019. That order has neither been perfected nor served upon the State and accordingly the time for compliance with discovery obligations has not commenced to run.

An application is pending before the Court to vary the discovery ordered and this has not as yet been determined. Review of the data necessary to comply with the discovery order in the context of proceedings is ongoing and is necessarily the subject of legal advice and privilege. Accordingly, it is inappropriate for me to give further comment or detail in respect of the process until discovery has concluded and the proceedings resolved.

No State Defendant has been determined to be non-compliant with the discovery order in these proceedings.

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