asked the Minister for Health the number of families with thalidomide children which will be considered for compensation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Thalidomide Children.
29.
The number of Irish children accepted for compensation by the medical assessors of the German thalidomide compensation fund is 33. The expert medical board established by me to assess the position in regard to Irish thalidomide children agrees with this figure. As I explained to the Deputy in my reply to his question of 28th February last, the board expect to complete detailed reports for me on each case by next month, on the basis of which I can decide upon the implementation of the Government's undertaking to augment the German compensation.
I am sorry that Deputy O'Connell is not here because this is a matter which is of great concern to him. Could the Minister tell me if the parents' committee which was established is reasonably satisfied with the progress and the number of people involved?
They have not communicated with me during the last six weeks. So, therefore, as far as I am concerned I have had no reaction as yet.