asked the Minister for Health if any further progress has been made in his attempts to get adequate compensation for children suffering from the effects of the drug thalidomide.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Thalidomide Children.
1.
I would refer the Deputy to the statement of 15th May, 1973, issued by the Government Information Bureau on my behalf regarding thalidomide children.
The statement, which was quoted extensively on television and radio and in the Press, indicated that the Government had decided, as a matter of social justice, to help such children and outlined measures which would be taken in this regard. It was stated that the Government had decided, in principle, that they should help to augment the funds which will be made available to children and their parents from the German Trust but that it was not possible to state at present the amount which will be made available or how best it should be distributed.
I have the whole position regarding thalidomide children under active consideration and, in fact, I had a further discussion with representatives of the parents of the children on 23rd May following which the agreed statement published in the Press today was issued.
Would the Minister agree that there is a case also for giving medical cards to other than thalidomide victims who are equally handicapped?
That is a separate question.
But the question arises.
This is being done only in respect of thalidomide children.
Would the Minister consider extending the facility to other handicapped children?
It is a matter for consideration but I cannot make any promise on it now.