Thalidomide Survivors’ Compensation.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2010

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Questions (159)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

224 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children if her Department and the Health Service Executive are cognisant of the fact that, among the small cohort of thalidomide victims resident in the State, the natural ageing process is giving rise, in some cases, to additional medical needs for additional support; the proposals, which exist to deal with these people’s urgent need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5497/10]

Written answers

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

Each Irish victim of thalidomide receives a tax free monthly payment from my Department, has a medical card and is eligible to receive the full range of public health services from the Health Service Executive. I have met with the Irish Thalidomide Association on a number of occasions and I am considering the issues raised by the Deputy in the context of their submissions to me.