Thalidomide survivors’ compensation
Seán Ó Fearghaíl sought action for 32 Thalidomide survivors under a programme-for-government commitment. The Minister could not give details but undertook to refer the matter to the Health Minister.
I have acknowledged on a number of occasions the good work that the Government has done on the issue of the Magdalen laundries. However, there was a specific commitment in the programme for Government regarding the 32 survivors of Thalidomide. The previous Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, abysmally failed to address the plight of those people. Can we get an assurance that the present Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, will now take on board the commitment made in the programme for Government and will do something concrete to resolve their plight?
Comment on this
I am not in a position to give the Deputy a detailed answer. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, so that he can issue a reply to the Deputy.