asked the Minister for Health whether the Medical Research Council have as yet completed their study of thalidomide babies born in this country; if so, how many such children were born in this country; how many have survived; and what special provisions are being made for the help and care of such severely deformed children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Thalidomide Babies.
3.
In 1962 the Medical Research Council of Ireland undertook, at my request, a survey designed to provide information—so far as is practicable—as to the number of babies born with deformities which might be ascribed to the consumption of thalidomide by expectant mothers. I have received the Council's report, but it is not possible to say with certainty how many of the deformities were associated with use of the drug, thalidomide. In an effort to obtain a clearer picture of the influence exercised by this drug, the Medical Research Council are undertaking another survey of deformities occurring in a recent period when the use of thalidomide had been discontinued and could not, therefore, be a factor in the incidence of congenital abnormalities.
In the meantime, at my request, the National Organisation for Rehabilitation have made arrangements to ensure that all the facilities, including specialised artificial limbs and other devices, are available so as to enable affected children to develop and lead a reasonable life despite their deformation.
Does the Minister anticipate that this new investigation which he has initiated will be completed soon?
Not in the immediate future, but I would hope to make a further reference to this in my speech on the Estimate.