asked the Minister for Health if he has as yet decided to provide free facilities for Irish thalidomide victims.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Thalidomide Victims.
86.
As I recently indicated to the Deputy, in reply to a supplementary question put by him, I intend to consider this issue further. I have not in the meantime reached any conclusion but I would hope to consider the question further in conjunction with pending health legislation. It would not be appropriate to deal with this problem in isolation because other types of cases which have a claim to special consideration must also be taken into account.
Under existing legislation persons not ordinarily eligible for health services can be provided with such services where undue hardship arises.
Does the Minister not agree that this is a serious matter affecting people and children who would need appliances and rehabilitation? It is a very severe thing. This is not just a case of a child needing something now and again but needing it all its life. Would the Minister not agree to look into this further and see if his Department could claim from the manufacturers? Is he aware that these people affected are not in a position to claim from them? In view of the high cost of the treatment and applicances required and as a gesture to these people, would the Minister not say: "Yes, I will provide it free", especially as he said there is only a very small number of 53 people affected?
I have told the Deputy that I am thinking about the matter.
How long will the Minister take?
I do not know.
A month?
I do not know.