Michael Healy-Rae
Question:831. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he intends to adequately compensate the remaining Thalidomide victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5593/13]
View answerTuesday, 5 February 2013
Questions (831)
Written answers
There are currently 32 Irish thalidomide survivors. Each survivor received lump sums payments from a German Foundation and the Irish Government in the early 1970s. In 1975 the lump-sums paid by the Irish Government ranged from €6,400 to €21,000. In addition, each survivor receives on going monthly payments from both the German Foundation and the Irish Government. Combining the German and Irish payments, most individuals receive €30,386 per annum or €2,572 per month tax free. The German and the Irish monthly allowance is not reckonable for State benefits and each individual is automatically entitled to a medical card.
Given the challenges that persist for each individual, this Government's aim is to address the health and personal social care needs of thalidomide survivors living in Ireland. I have stated that I am willing to enter into discussions about a health care package on a non-statutory basis; an ex-gratia payment having regard to current financial circumstances; and a statement to the Dáil recognising the challenges faced by survivors.
There are two thalidomide representative organisations. The largest group, the Irish Thalidomide Association, announced publicly in 2012 that it had ceased talks with the Government and their legal advisors have initiated personal injuries claims for damages against the State.
The other group, the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society have sought an independent agency and a statutory health care package including other aspects of their needs such as housing, heating, transport and clothing, which are outside the remit of the health sector. I am not in a position to meet the demands of the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society. My position remains unchanged from that outlined in my letter to the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society in June last year in which I requested that the Society consider, in good faith, proceeding with a Health Care Protocol which envisaged appointing and training a multidisciplinary team, arranging a multidisciplinary health evaluation, identifying and documenting their health care needs/issues and developing plans to address those needs/issues.