asked the Minister for Health if his attempts to get adequate compensation for children suffering from the effects of the drug thalidomide have been finalised.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Thalidomide Victims Compensation.
9.
I take it that what the Deputy has in mind is the Government's undertaking to augment the German compensation for Irish thalidomide children. As I explained in a press release of 11th January last, I am not in a position to be more specific until I have a detailed picture of the requirements of each child. The expert medical board appointed by me in October last do not expect to be able to let me have these detailed reports before April.
This matter has been going on now for quite a long time, indeed since before the change of Government and could the Minister give me any indication of the number of children likely to receive compensation?
That would seem to be a separate question.
And could he give me any idea as to when the matter will be brought to finality?
Approximately 34 have been identified by the board as thalidomide children. As far as finality is concerned, I can only repeat what I told the Deputy in reply to his question. I have not received a final report and will not receive such a report until after a meeting has been held by the medical board on the 28th April. Until I get that report I will not be in a position to say what specific Government action can be taken.
Could the Minister tell us the result of the interim report and what he means by the final report? If the board have decided so many children are thalidomide what is the purpose of the final report?
The purpose is to determine the extent of the disability and to make recommendations as to facilities for and the future care of these children.
Is the medical board proposing to examine these children at intervals between now and 28th April?
I do not think so. All these children have been examined during stays in the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dún Laoghaire. They have been identified as victims of Softenol, the thalidomide drug. At the meeting of 28th April the board will access the degree of incapacity.
Can the Minister state——
I have allowed the Deputy a good deal of latitude. I am calling Question No. 10.
Why the delay in deciding to make a final assessment? Why is the meeting not being held until 28th April?
Because of the non-availability until 28th April of Dr. Smithels who was especially brought over from Britain to be a member of this board, as he has a specialised knowledge of this particular subject.