Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

My colleague, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, has policy remit for Housing Adaption Grants, which are I understand are administered by the Local Authorities.

However, as part of the range of supports provided to the 29 Irish survivors of thalidomide, my Department provides ex-gratia grants towards the cost of health and personal social services and to support independent living, including ex-gratia grants towards the cost of housing adaptations.

These supports are provided directly from a dedicated Department of Health subhead 'Payments in respect of disablement caused by Thalidomide'. It is important to note that it is open to any Irish person to apply to the Contergan Foundation for assessment of their injury as being attributable to thalidomide. Any Irish person who establishes that their injury acquired in Ireland is attributable to thalidomide will be offered appropriate supports by the Irish Government, commensurate with those currently provided to Irish thalidomide survivors.