asked the Minister for Health the number of children in Ireland who were born deformed owing to the pre-natal administration of thalidomide to their mothers; if the Department have taken any initiative in the matter on behalf of Irish victims; what facilities for rehabilitation exists for these children; and if such facilities can be provided free of charge.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Thalidomide Victims.
18.
A survey carried out by the Medical Research Council of Ireland showed that about 53 children born in Ireland suffered deformities which might be attributable to the use of the drug thalidomide. Deformities resulting from thalidomide are of a particular pattern; but not all deformities of this pattern can definitely be ascribed to thalidomide.
My Department would have no standing in relation to civil claims in respect of deformity alleged to have been caused by this drug.
Rehabilitation facilities are available at the National Medical Rehabilitation Centre, which also provides a limb fitting service. I understand that the Centre has dealt with 44 cases of congenital amputee in the relevant age group and of these, seven presented features particularly suggestive of thalidomide effects. Of these 44 cases, 37 qualified for services under the Health Acts including six of the seven cases suggestive of thalidomide effects. Whether in the case of those eligible under the Health Acts, in-patient services are provided free or at a charge not exceeding 10/- a day would depend on the circumstances of the parents.
In view of the fact that such tragedies have resulted, would the Minister not consider that it would be in the interest of these victims that the services be provided free? The cost would not be prohibitive if they were made generally free. The characteristics of the condition resulting from thalidomide dosage are so specific that there should be no difficulty on the part of the Department of Health in stating definitely that these patients are victims of thalidomide.
I can go only on the information supplied to me. The majority of them got appliances paid for by the health authorities. Five did not get any at all. Of the 44, 32 were paid for by the health authorities.
Is the Minister aware that this will be a life-long incapacity, and in view of that fact, would he not make a decision that it should be provided free for those victims?
I will think about it.