It seems from the Taoiseach's earlier comments that the Government is moving towards a proposed resolution to the Magdalen laundries issue. Will the Government address the plight of the far smaller number of women who had symphysiotomies carried out on them, without their knowledge in some instances and certainly without their permission, and the far smaller number of people who suffered major injustice at the hands of the State, namely, thalidomide survivors, who number only 32?

I met some thalidomide survivors when I was in opposition. The Minister has invited them to talk to him with a view to seeing what else can be done for them. The Deputy is aware that a payment is made to thalidomide survivors without accepting legal liability. I am also aware of recent decisions in Germany in this regard. There seems to be a division of opinion among the groups but the Minister has a standing invitation for them to come and talk to him. I mentioned earlier that a report on symphysiotomy was produced a number of years ago by the Human Rights Commission. That is a report I would like to read. It is not included as part of the Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Bill but it will be referred to there.