The Government has promised important legislation to merge the Human Rights Commission and Equality Authority. When will that legislation be brought before the House?

The survivors of thalidomide are specifically referred to in the programme for Government. Will the Taoiseach indicate whether or not the Minister for Health has met with the two organisations representing the survivors of thalidomide and when we can expect to see progress in terms of a proper compensation arrangement for these people? Notwithstanding the fact that compensation is being made available by Germany, when will the Irish Government fulfil its responsibilities in relation to the 32 individuals concerned?

The Bill regarding the merger of the Human Rights Commission and Equality Authority is expected to be published before the House rises for Christmas. On the issue of thalidomide survivors, the number of whom is finite, the Minister has engaged with them. The Government is currently dealing with survivors of the Magdalen laundries, symphysiotomy and a number of other problematic areas. I will forward a note to the Deputy on the up-to-date position in regard to the thalidomide survivors.