asked the Minister for Health the present position regarding the problem of thalidomide children.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Thalidomide Children.
34.
As the Deputy is, no doubt, aware, the Government took steps to ensure that all medical treatment required by the children was available to them free of charge and that favourable consideration was given to claims for recoupment to parents of exceptional expenses which they had to bear in the past, In addition, the Government undertook to augment the compensation to the Irish children from the German fund and proposals in this regard are at present being considered by the Government.
This matter has been going on for a long time. Can the Minister give us an assurance that the compensation to Irish parents will be on a par with that given to the parents of the victims of this drug in the United Kingdom?
I could not give that assurance.
Could the Minister give an indication as to when an announcement regarding this will be made?
I would expect, say, within the next month.
Could the Minister be in a position to state the total amount of exceptional expenses incurred by the parents and paid for by his Department?
That would seem to be a separate matter, Deputy.
I have not that information with me.
Did I understand the Minister to say that we may have finality in this matter in a month or so?
I hope so.