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Thalidomide Victims Compensation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Questions (1750, 1759, 1774, 1786, 1828, 1870, 1884, 1885)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

1750. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health when a group (details supplied) can expect a rescheduled date for a meeting given that the original date was over 12 months ago. [1608/22]

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Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

1759. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a request for a meeting by an association (details supplied) will receive a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1648/22]

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Michael Lowry

Question:

1774. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health when he will meet with an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1781/22]

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Paul Murphy

Question:

1786. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if a date will be chosen in January 2022 to meet with an association (details supplied) given a planned meeting scheduled for 11 January 2021 was cancelled and the meeting has not been rescheduled to date. [1830/22]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

1828. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he cancelled a planned meeting on 11 January 2021 with an association (details supplied); if he suggested that he would arrange a new meeting date shortly thereafter; when the meeting will take place given that a year has passed since the commitment was given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1961/22]

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Ivana Bacik

Question:

1870. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with an organisation (details supplied). [2164/22]

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Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1884. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a meeting with thalidomide survivors will be arranged as soon as possible in view of a previous meeting in January 2021 being cancelled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2281/22]

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Mattie McGrath

Question:

1885. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with a group (details supplied) without further delay; if he will provide a date for this meeting as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2282/22]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1750, 1759, 1774, 1786, 1828, 1870, 1884 and 1885 together.

The management of litigation against the State by certain acknowledged and unacknowledged thalidomide survivors has been delegated to the State Claims Agency by virtue of S.I. No 405 of 2013.

I am advised that the aforementioned litigation is being case-managed by a judge of the High Court and matters are currently at discovery stage. In those circumstances, given the sub judice fact of the litigation, I am advised that it would not be appropriate for me to meet pending the resolution of the litigation and the matters arising therefrom.

However, I am anxious to assure thalidomide survivors of the Governments ongoing commitment to provide them with the necessary supports to meet their related needs. I have directed my office to set up a meeting with survivors of  thalidomide, strictly without prejudice to the ongoing litigation, where I will listen to their needs and talk with them about the work underway to provide health and personal social service supports on an ex-gratia basis on a statutory footing, as committed to by the Government. However, as outlined above, matters which are before the High Court will not form part of the agenda for discussion.

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