asked the Minister for Health whether, with reference to the recent decision of the British Government to provide £3 million for children with severe congenital disabilities due to thalidomide, the Government are considering a similar course of action here; and, if not, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Thalidomide Victims.
12.
My information is that the £3 million referred to in the question is being made available generally for children with very severe congenital disabilities and is not confined to those with disabilities attributable to thalidomide.
I explained the position regarding compensation for Irish children affected by thalidomide manufactured by the firm of Chemie-Grünenthal in my replies to questions Nos. 30 and 31 on 26th October, 1972.
The provision of financial assistance on the lines of that provided by the British Government would have to be considered in the light of the adequacy of the services at present generally available in this country for children with severe congenital disabilities.
A review of the position in this respect is at present being carried out.