Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2013
108. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason he has not met the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society, despite repeated requests and promises that he would do so, with particular reference to the urgent need to implement a proposed care plan to meet their particular needs. [7441/13]
View answerI met with the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society in July 2011 and have been in correspondence with the Society since that meeting. The Government's main 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.
My position remains unchanged from that outlined in my letter to the Society in June 2012 in which I requested the society to proceed, in good faith, with a health care protocol which would involve:
- Appointing and training a multidisciplinary team (a lead consultant has been identified);
- Arranging a multidisciplinary health evaluation;
- Identifying and documenting individuals healthcare needs/issues;
- Developing plans to address their healthcare needs/issues.
The Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society has indicated that it is not willing to proceed with the health care protocol without the inclusion of other aspects of their needs being addressed in a wider care package, including those outside the remit of the health sector such as housing, heating, transport and clothing. The Society is also seeking the establishment of an independent agency with ring fenced funding to provide for all their needs. I am not in a position to meet the demands of the Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society as mandated by their membership and I await a response as to whether it is prepared to proceed with the health care protocol.
