Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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71. To ask the Minister for Health his interaction with an association (details supplied) to date; and the steps that he plans to take to address the particular healthcare needs of those affected by the failure to withdraw thalidomide from the Irish market in a timely manner. [7728/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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There are a number of cases concerning thalidomide before the High Court at present and it is not possible to comment on matters that are sub judice.

However, the Government recognises that thalidomide survivors face challenges in everyday life related to their injuries. I am anxious to assure thalidomide survivors of the Government’s ongoing commitment to provide them with the necessary health supports to meet their related needs. I have directed my office to set up a meeting with thalidomide survivors at the end of this month, strictly without prejudice to the ongoing litigation.

In addition to an ex-gratia lump sum and an ex-gratia monthly allowance for life, the supports provided by the Irish State to each Irish survivor include a medical card on an administrative basis regardless of means. This includes access to a full range of primary care, hospital and personal social services, provision of appliances, artificial limbs, equipment and housing adaptations.

There is a designated senior manager in the Health Service Executive who liaises with Irish thalidomide survivors and assists them to access supports towards their ongoing health and personal social service needs.

At the meeting with survivors I will listen to their healthcare needs. I will also talk with them about the work underway in the Department to provide these health and personal social supports on an ex-gratia basis on a statutory footing, as committed to by the Government. However, as outlined above, matters which are before the High Court will not form part of the agenda for discussion.