Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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1098. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [15084/20]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The supports provided to the 29 Irish survivors of thalidomide include a monthly payment for life, a medical card on an administrative basis regardless of means, provision of appliances, artificial limbs, equipment, housing adaptations and access to a full range of primary care, hospital and personal social services. My Department also provides once-off ex-gratia grants to survivors towards the cost of health and personal social services. These supports are provided directly from a dedicated Department of Health subhead "Payments in respect of disablement caused by Thalidomide".

There is a designated senior manager in the Health Service Executive, to act as the National Thalidomide Liaison in respect of the ongoing health and personal social service needs of Irish survivors. I have arranged for the matter to be investigated and a separate reply will issue to the Deputy as soon as possible.