Thalidomide survivors’ support
Seán Ó Fearghaíl asks whether the Health Minister has met thalidomide survivors and will pursue the Government commitment to address their situation; Burton says discussions may be ongoing but cannot provide details.
The programme for Government commits the Government to addressing the plight of the survivors of thalidomide. We all join with the tributes to Mr. Justice Quirke and to the Government for the initiatives in addressing the plight of the Magdalen women. There are only 32 survivors of the thalidomide drug. On the previous occasion when we raised it in the House the Taoiseach indicated that the matter would be pursued by the Minister for Health. Will the Minister indicate if the Minister for Health has met with the survivors of thalidomide? If this is not the case, will the Minister inform the House if he intends to do so at an early date?
Comment on this
I understand there may be discussions ongoing but I cannot say anything more than that.