Despite the wonderful weather we are having, there is a certain sense of foreboding around the country as we see - thanks to Donald Trump - the dark clouds of economic uncertainty beginning to gather. I am conscious that in such circumstances, where we have had difficulties in the past, we have always moved to secure the well-being and welfare of the most disadvantaged and the less well off. It is in that context that I have been thinking about those who have been impacted by thalidomide. It is nearly 50 years ago since I first heard the story of thalidomide. Fifty years has elapsed and we now have approximately 40 people living with that condition in the country. To say that I am embarrassed and ashamed that we have not yet met their needs and resolved the difficulties is something of an understatement.

Thank you. The Taoiseach to respond.

Does the Taoiseach see his Government being able to meet the needs and resolve the problems surrounding those survivors of thalidomide?

Thank you, Deputy.

Why is it that this great State of ours-----

Thank you, Deputy. You are way over time and taking someone else's time.

-----has to be forced so often to apologise for the mistakes of the past?

The State is not being forced here; it is being very responsive. There are other factors afoot that have frustrated the State's endeavour to bring this to a conclusion. I have to put that on record. The State is wide open and wants to get this resolved. We have established a mediation process. There have been two mediation processes and we have a judge appointed. Apart from all of that, we have already made it very clear that all health services are available now to anybody affected by thalidomide until the end of his or her life. This includes any time they require a consultant or anything. When I was last Taoiseach we set that in train. In my view that was being held up unnecessarily not by the State but by people who were looking for the overall settlement. I said that, in the first instance, we should make sure all healthcare was available, somewhat like earlier schemes, and also housing adaptations or any changes to people's living environment. All of that is available as well.

I thank the Taoiseach. We have nine Deputies left.

There is a process there that hopefully we can bring to a conclusion. I can talk to the Deputy if he wishes and bring him up to speed on it.